In October, we celebrate the 650th anniversary of the birth of the great military leader Dmitry Donskoy (1350-1389), the son of Ivan II, the Grand Prince of Moscow (from 1359) and Vladimir (from 1362). Smart and far-sighted, he had a keen understanding of politics and used everything that contributed to the unification of the Russian lands around Moscow. By the end of the third quarter of the 14th century, Russia had become a formidable force capable of standing up to the Golden Horde, under whose oppression it had long been. Dmitry gathered a strong army of Serpukhov, Yaroslavl, Rostov, Murom, Ukrainian, and Belarusian regiments, which were joined by militiamen. Leading the armed struggle of the Russian people against the Mongol-Tatar invaders, the prince won several major victories, the most significant of which was the victory at the Battle of Kulikovo (1380). This victory not only made Dmitry famous as a military leader, but also played a crucial role in the process of liberation from the centuries-long yoke. For his military prowess in this battle, he was given the nickname "Donskoy."

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