The Battle of Kulikovo was a pivotal encounter in the struggle between the rising power of the Russian principalities and the Mongol Golden Horde. The battle occurred in September, near the confluence of the Don and Nepryadva rivers. Prince Dmitry Ivanovich of Moscow, leading the Russian forces, assembled an array of troops from various regions, marking one of the first instances of significant unity among the Russian principalities against external threats. Dmitry's army included not only warriors from Moscow but also allies from Ryazan and other Russian lands, reflecting a fledgling sense of national identity and cooperation.

On the opposing side, the Mongols and Tatars, led by the skilled military commander Mamai, aimed to reassert the dominance of the Golden Horde over the fragmented Russian states. The battle featured innovative tactics, and the challenging terrain played a crucial role in the outcome. The fierce combat resulted in heavy casualties for the Mongol forces, and although the exact numbers are debated, contemporary chroniclers remarked on the battlefield's bloodshed.

The aftermath of the battle prompted both immediate and long-term effects on Russian society. Prince Dmitry emerged as a hero, reinforcing his authority, while the Russian spirit began to foster a sense of nationalism that would grow in the ensuing centuries. Furthermore, this victory began to reshape the political landscape of the region, demonstrating the feasibility of uniting against a common enemy, which would become a recurring theme in Russian history.