A Russo-Austrian alliance defeated a larger Ottoman force at Focșani, expelling the Turks from Moldavia during the Russo-Turkish War of 1787–1792.
Key Facts
- Date
- 1 August 1789 (O.S. 21 July)
- Austrian–Hungarian force
- 18,000 troops
- Russian force
- 7,000 troops
- Ottoman force
- ~30,000 troops
- Allied total
- ~25,000 troops
- Location
- Near Focșani, Moldavia (modern Romania)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Russo-Turkish War of 1787–1792 drew the Russian Empire and the Habsburg monarchy into a military alliance against the Ottoman Empire. Ottoman forces had positioned themselves in an entrenched camp near Focșani in Moldavia, threatening allied strategic interests in the region.
On 1 August 1789, a combined Russian force of 7,000 under Alexander Suvorov and an Austrian force of 18,000 under Prince Josias of Coburg attacked the Ottoman entrenched camp near Focșani. Facing approximately 30,000 troops led by Grand Vizier Koca Yusuf Pasha, the allies stormed the fortified position and defeated the Ottoman army.
The allied victory at Focșani resulted in the Ottoman forces being driven out of Moldavia, securing the region for the Russo-Austrian alliance. The battle demonstrated the effectiveness of Suvorov's aggressive tactics and strengthened the allied position in the broader Russo-Turkish War.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
2 belligerents
Alexander Suvorov, Prince Josias of Coburg.
Side B
1 belligerent
Grand Vizier Koca Yusuf Pasha.