[3] The Russians, led by Hans Karl von Diebitsch (German-born general serving the Russian Empire), marched against the Ottomans led by Grand Vizier Reşid Mehmed Pasha[2] (Georgian-born general enslaved as a child by the Ottomans) with the objective of relieving Silistria, 40 miles (64 km) west of the village of Kulevicha.

First Reşid Pasha with an Army's 40,000-strong main force inclusive of 56 guns came out of Shumla with the aim of defeating the Russian detachment sent under the Russian command's plan to lure the Ottomans out of this town, and assisting the besieged Ottoman troops [ru] with his active actions.

Having regrouped the forces by this evening (the Russian troops participating in the battle numbered ca.

[2] The Russians were victorious as the Turks got trapped in a valley suffering heavy casualties before they managed to withdraw.

[3] The Ottoman force was tasked with various different objectives in Bulgaria, most notably the suppression of Hadjuk revolts, however several other more important duties were tasked to the Ottoman force such as relieving Silistria of constant battle and preventing further Russian advancements into Bulgaria.