After Russia's successful capture of Azov in 1737, the nation redirected its military efforts towards countering the Crimean Khanate, a key vassal state of the Ottoman Empire.

The Russo-Turkish Wars of the period were characterized by a complex interplay of geopolitical interests, with Crimea serving as a strategic foothold for Ottoman influence in the region.

Recognizing the importance of Crimea in the Ottoman Empire's power projection, Russia sought to undermine this influence by targeting the Crimean Khanate.

[2]: 661 The initial campaign in 1735, under the command of General-Lieutenant Mikhail Ivanovich Leontiev, aimed to invade Crimea directly but faced significant challenges.

[2]: 661  By capturing the strategically significant Perekop Fortress and conducting raids deep into Crimean territory, Münnich demonstrated the potential to disrupt Ottoman control over the region.

[2]: 661 [3] The Don Cossacks, consisting of approximately 40,000 men under the command of Field Marshal Peter Lacy, set out from the Azov region on May 3, 1737, with a plan to enter Crimea by bypassing the Perekop fortifications from the east.

The Azov flotilla, commanded by Vice Admiral Peter Bredal with 217 boats, some equipped with 6-pound cannons each, delivered various supplies and provisions to the Arabat Spit.

[2]: 661 [4] Meeting the Russians from Perekop, a Crimean army of up to 60,000 people, mostly horse militia, commanded by Khan Fetih II Giray, advanced.

Despite the challenges faced during the campaign, Russia's military actions in Crimea demonstrated its growing influence in the region and highlighted the vulnerability of Ottoman control over the Crimean Peninsula.

Meanwhile, the Ottoman government, recognizing the failures of 1736 and 1737, reinstated Menli II Giray as Khan of the Crimean Khanate, acknowledging his previous success as a ruler.