Abstract <p>The paper will analyze a crucial period in Russian foreign policy towards the Balkans, spanning from the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1856 to the provisions regarding the neutralization of the Black Sea in 1871. The Treaty of Paris had significant implications for Russia’s foreign policy in the Balkans. Following its defeat in the Crimean War, Russia faced considerable restrictions that limited its influence in the region. A new phase in Russian foreign policy was initiated under Foreign Minister Alexander Mikhailovich Gorchakov, whose goal was to support the liberation movements of Balkan peoples, with Serbia playing a central role. Russia leveraged Pan-Slavic sentiments to garner support among Slavic nations. Nikolay Pavlovich Ignatyev, who served as the Russian ambassador in Constantinople from 1864, along with Russian consuls and representatives in Belgrade, Athens, and Ioannina, played a crucial role in enhancing Russia’s presence in the Balkans. By 1871, Russia declared its intention to disregard the restrictions imposed by the Treaty of Paris, signaling a shift towards a more assertive foreign policy. This period marked a pivotal moment as Russia sought to reestablish its dominance in the Balkans and support nationalist movements against Ottoman rule.</p>