During the course of the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878), Puzyrevskii led the western flank of the units under the command of general Iosif Gurko. He took part in the Siege of Plevna, Battle of Gorni Dubnik, Battle of Tashkessen and the Battle of Philippopolis (1878). Through his service in the Balkan campaign he rose to the rank of colonel and received the Order of St. George 4th class, Order of Saint Stanislaus 2nd class with swords, Order of Saint Vladimir 4th class with swords.