In 1878, despite opposition from Romania, the Berlin Treaty, which followed the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878), transferred this region back to the Russian Empire (which reintegrated it into the Bessarabia Governorate).

The transfer of the territory took place in October 1878.

From 13 to 18 October, Russia took over Southern Bessarabia while the Romanian officials withdrew.

[3] In 1918 Southern Bessarabia yet again became part of the Kingdom of Romania (under the informal name of Bugeac) for the following 22 years (1918–1940) and again between 1941 and 1944.

The area of the region was 8,694 km2 (3,357 sq mi) and covered 3 counties: