The Fall of Veliki Preslav

After the defeat of 969, Bulgaria became Kievan Rus' ally in its forthcoming war against the Byzantine Empire. During that war, in the spring of 971, Byzantium reversed the course of events and launched a major land and sea operation against the Bulgarian capital, Veliki Preslav, defended by Bulgarians and Rus'. Alongside their usual weapons, the Byzantines used flame-projecting machines to start fires.

During the fighting, extensive fires broke out in the capital, forcing Bulgarians and Rus' to evacuate and withdraw towards Dniester Fortress at Silistra to regroup with the main Rus' forces. All eastern Bulgaria fell under Byzantine rule. Tsar Peter II was captured and executed in Constantinople.