High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Sviatoslav`s invasion of Bulgaria refers to a conflict beginning in 967/968 and ending in 971, carried out in the eastern Balkans and involving the Kievan Rus`, Bulgaria, and the Byzantine Empire. The Byzantines instigated the Rus` ruler Sviatoslav to attack Bulgaria, leading to the collapse of the Bulgarian state and the occupation of much of the country by the Rus`. The ensuing direct military confrontation between the Rus` and Byzantium ended with a Byzantine victory. The Rus` withdrew and eastern Bulgaria was incorporated into the Byzantine Empire.