According to the testament of Saint Peter: Dmitry Donskoy’s great victories

October 12, 2019 marks the 669th anniversary of the birth of St. Dmitry Donskoy, Grand Duke of Moscow and Vladimir, the liberator and collector of Russian lands.

The electronic collections of the Presidential Library has an impressive amount of rare materials dedicated to the famous Russian military leader and ruler. Most digital copies of these publications are available on the institution's portal.

The future winner of the Battle of Kulikovo was born in 1350 in the family of Ivan the Red. The boy was orphaned early and by the age of 13 he ascended the Moscow princely throne. The Tatar-Mongol yoke in Russia used to be stronger than ever, and no one dared to repulse the oppressor that is reflected in Historical Commendation to Dmitry Donskoy (1827).

The subjects immediately discerned in the young prince a worthy ruler. The qualities of his character, developed beyond his years, intelligence and wisdom inspired people with hope which is highlighted by Feofilakt Pokrovsky in his book Dmitry Donskoy, Grand Duke of Moscow (1823).  

The author notes that the external data of Dmitry Ivanovich easily convinced people to trust him and follow him: “Nature adorned him with all bodily and spiritual qualities. Majestic growth, strong body composition, a sharp and penetrating look, a pleasant and expressive voice made up the smallest part of his bodily gifts”.  

According to researchers, the young prince had to confirm his military valor and talent as a politician almost immediately after accession to the throne. It was necessary to repel the frequent devastating raids of the Golden Horde troops, but at the same time skillfully evade direct confrontation with Khan Mamay: the Rus’ people were not yet ready for a decisive battle, and it was very important to gain time. Therefore, Dmitry, while continuing to show himself a humble tributary, meanwhile delivered several sensitive blows to the Tatars of Volga-Kama Bulgaria and Mordovian land. During these battles our warriors were tempered and worked out tactics for more serious battles.   

The first major battle with the Horde happened in August 1378 near Ryazan. The 50,000th Khan’s army set off on a campaign in Moscow and, as usual, expected an easy victory. The outcome of this battle is described in detail in the publication  Dimitry of Donskoy and the Battle of Kulikovo (1863) by I. O. Kataev.

After this defeat, Khan Mamay went to collect even more formidable force. The thousands of Horde troops were replenished by Genoese mercenaries. The Prince of Moscow understood very well: this time he could not cope alone, it was necessary to unite fragmented Russia and fight against the enemy with a united front. “Despite his young years, he was already completely imbued with the high covenant of St. Peter - to collect the Russian land under the rule of Moscow in order to overthrow the Tatar yoke”, - says The Legend of the Russian Land (1913), an electronic copy of which is available on the Presidential Library’s portal.

Thus the first attempt in the history of our country was made to unite Russia. It succeeded.

In total, about 200 thousand people gathered under the banners of Dmitry Ivanovich. According to the author of the above-mentioned book Dmitry of Donskoy and the Battle of Kulikovo, these were the very warriors who had recently broken spears and swords in bloody battles with each other. But now they have become like brothers...

September 8, 1380 the army of Rus’ people came out against the horde of the Mongol-Tatars. This battle forever went down in history under the name of Kulikovo, and it was it which brought its winner Prince Dmitry the nickname Donskoy - Kulikovo Field is located near the confluence of the Nepryadva River into the Don River.

The Battle of Kulikovo marked the beginning of the collapse of the foreign yoke in Russia. Dmitry Ivanovich took a personal part in the battle, often risked his life, showed miracles of valor and thereby set an example to the rest. This is described in detail in the essay by D. I. Ilovaysky The Battle of Kulikovo of Dmitry Donskoy (1880).

The significance of the Battle of Kulikovo and the role of Dmitry Donskoy in it is truly great. It became the starting point not only for complete liberation from Mongol-Tatar oppression, but also for the cessation of civil strife within Rus’

During his 30-year reign, Dmitry Ivanovich became famous not only as a wise military leader and brave warrior. History remembers him as a brilliant statesman and religious figure: the prince sought independence of the Russian Orthodox Church from Constantinople, by his decree the first white stone Kremlin was erected in Moscow, Simonov and Andronikov monasteries, the first silver coin was put into circulation.  

Achievements of success - both military and political - Dmitry Donskoy owed a lot, including happiness in the family. His wife Evdokia inspired him a lot.

Dmitry Donskoy died in 1389. Before his death, he transferred the throne to his son Basil. For the first time it was without the permission of the Golden Horde...

In 1988, Dmitry Donskoy was canonized by the Local Council of the Russian Orthodox Church, standing in line with the Holy Prince Alexander Nevsky, naval commander Fedor Ushakov and other famous soldiers.

In the course of World War II, the tank division "Dmitry Donskoy" was formed, which served as an example of courage and heroism in the fight against the Nazis.