The Russian tortoise, in some portions of its habitat, has been heavily exploited for food by local peoples as well as for exportation by the pet trade. In other areas, habitat destruction due to warfare, farming, livestock grazing and development have all contributed to the decline of this species. The future of the species in the wild is uncertain at best.
Testudo horsfieldii is considered by the IUCN as "Vulnerable". CITES lists the species as "Appendix 2".