Battle of Lovech

The Battle of Lovech formed part of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878 and the Russian Western Detachment's strategy against the Ottoman Western Army entrenched at Pleven. Russian forces under Major General Prince Alexander Imeretinsky captured Lovech, cutting the most important supply route to the Ottoman army in Pleven.

The Russian command envisaged a war of manoeuvre and a rapid victory within 13–14 weeks. Crossing the Balkan Mountains quickly and reaching Adrianople were crucial. The Ottoman command planned attacks from both flanks against the advancing Russian force, alongside resistance along its front.

The struggle for Lovech took place in two stages: the Russian army's rapid advance and the subsequent contest for supremacy. Russian troops sought to maintain the initiative through dynamic manoeuvres.

Lovech was first captured on 5 July. Cossack units under Colonel Alexei Zherebkov passed through Sevlievo and advanced towards the town. After fighting Ottoman regulars and bashi-bazouks, they took Lovech. The victory helped establish Bulgarian administration as part of the liberation of Bulgarian lands from Ottoman rule.

Russian casualties were minimal: two soldiers wounded and one who died of his wounds.

Russian victory.