On July 21, 1774 the Treaty of Kuchuk Kainarji was signed between Russia and the Ottoman Empire. The treaty ended the conflict between Russia and the Ottomans . Under the terms of the agreement Russia was granted the right to intervene in the affairs of Moldovia. In addition Crimea was declared independent. Russia obtained several ports on the Black Sea andwas named the official protector of the Orthodox Christians living in the Ottoman Empire. |