Intro. This is Rus', 1237-1241. By 1241, Batu’s troops had already destroyed most of the Russian principalities: Ryazan, Vladimir-Suzdal, Pereyaslavl, Chernigov and Kiev.
In the fall of 1240, the Mongols captured and destroyed Kiev, the ancient capital of Russia; The defense was commanded by Voivode Dmitry, Prince Daniil Galitsky left the city.
In 1241, the conquerors continued their attack on the southwestern lands: the Galician-Volyn territories were devastated, after which Batu’s army moved to Central Europe.
In parallel with this, the order of Livonian knights marched to the north-western lands (with the aim of capturing, of course)
In the winter of 1241, the Novgorodians expelled Prince Alexander Nevsky, but soon called him back due to a threat from the Order.
In 1241, Alexander Nevsky returned and launched a counter-offensive: he took the Koporye fortress, prepared by the Germans for storing supplies.