Russian naval strength according to the Dutch newspaper Algemeen Handelsblad daily edition dated 26 March 1875

The Russian Black Sea fleet consisted of 3 armoured frigates, 5 screw steam corvettes and 2 yachts, the Siberian fleet of 34 ships with a total horsepower of 1,820 hp and 61 guns, the Caspian Sea squadron of 14 sail ships and 17 steamships with a total horsepower of 990hp and 5 (?) guns and on the Aral Lake were 6 steamboats with 190 hp and 8 guns available.