THE BATTLE OF KULIKOVO IN THE CONTEXT OF RELATIONS BETWEEN RUS' AND THE HORDE IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE 14 CENTURY

What is the significance of the Battle of Kulikovo in the development of relations between the Russian lands and the Golden Horde? According to the author of the article, the victory of Grand Prince Dmitry Ivanovich over Mamai, who had usurped power in the Horde, was for the people of that time a repulse of a specific invasion, and not the overthrow of foreign power in general. The subsequent conflict – with the legitimate Khan Tokhtamysh – ended with the latter's recognition of the hereditary belonging of the Moscow princes to the Grand Principality of All Russia (Vladimir). It was the securing of the Grand Principality for himself and his descendants that was the main political goal of Dmitry Donskoy. The Battle of Kulikovo Field became the most significant and striking milestone on this path. The main consequence of the unification of the Moscow and Grand Principality of Vladimir was the creation of the foundation of a united Russian state – Russia.