The Russian Revolution began in March 1917 and culminated in the October Revolution in November, which saw the Bolsheviks take power in Russia. The government signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk that ended Russia's participation in the conflict. As part of the treaty, Russia granted Finland independence, which forced the fleet to abandon its principal base at Helsingfors and return to Kronstadt. "Rurik" was reduced to reserve at Kronstadt in October 1918, and she lay there for the next three years. Initially listed for long-term preservation on 21 May 1921, she was disarmed and useful systems were removed to be preserved ashore. By late 1923, she was in poor condition, and the decision was made to break her up. She was struck from the naval register on 1 November and taken to Petrograd, where she was dismantled over the course of 1924–1925. Her 203 mm guns were later used as coastal artillery batteries.