In order to force the Bulgarians, a relative of John V, Count Amadeus VI of Savoy, then leading his own the Savoyard crusade, attacked the Bulgarian coastal towns. In the fall of the same year Amadeo's navy captured Anchialos, Mesembria, Emona and on 25 October he besieged the strong fortress Varna, where he was repulsed. As a result, Ivan Alexander gave the Byzantines safe conduct across Bulgaria and they kept the conquered towns.
This led to an attack by Count Amadeus VI of Savoy, a descendant of John V, who was leading his own crusade in the Savoyard campaign. He targeted the Bulgarian coastal cities and, in the same year, captured several important towns, including Anchialos, Mesembria, and Emona. However, he was unsuccessful in his attempt to capture Varna on October 25. As a result, Ivan Alexander granted safe passage to the Byzantines through Bulgaria, allowing them to maintain control over their conquered areas.