On March 3, 1918, Russia concluded its role in World War I by signing the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with the Central Powers, comprising Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Turkey. The signing took place in Brest-Litovsk, Belarus, marking a significant shift as Russia withdrew from the war. This move was a response to the ongoing revolutionary changes in Russia, where a power transition occurred, prompting the then-government to negotiate peace with the Central Powers as a means to exit the conflict.

The signing of the treaty dealt a severe blow to the Allied Powers, particularly Britain and France, significantly impairing their position against Germany. At the time, Russia was embroiled in revolutionary turmoil, and leaders such as Lenin and Trotsky played key roles in initiating the treaty negotiations with the Central Powers. The consequences of Russia's withdrawal became evident as the Allies faced substantial disadvantages, leading to losses against Germany during the war.

Despite the heavy toll on the Allies, particularly in terms of morale and military strength, they managed to regain some of the lost ground by achieving victories against Austria-Hungary. However, the defeat on the battlefield left a significant impact on Russia's population, predominantly among the impoverished workers and peasants, who suffered increasingly heightened discontent due to the war's ramifications and the struggles of the revolutionary phase.