The Russo-Turkish War refers to a series of conflicts between the Russian Empire and the Ottoman Empire that occurred in the 18th and 19th centuries. The most notable war took place from 1877 to 1878, driven by Russia's desire to expand its influence in the Balkans and support the independence of Balkan nations from Ottoman rule. The war concluded with the Treaty of San Stefano, which favored Russia and granted independence to several territories, including Romania, Serbia, and Bulgaria. This conflict significantly altered the balance of power in the region and set the stage for future tensions in the Balkans.