Battle of Ice (1242) Prince Alexander Nevsky routed the Livonian Order knights on the ice of Lake Peipsi. This victory halted the West's expansion into Russian lands and demonstrated the superiority of Russian tactics over heavy European cavalry. Battle of Kulikovo (1380) The army of Dmitry Donskoy inflicted a decisive defeat on the Tatar leader Mamai. This battle became a turning point in the fight against the Golden Horde and strengthened Moscow's leadership among the Russian principalities. Liberation of Moscow (1612) The people's militia under the leadership of Minin and Pozharsky expelled the Polish干涉ists from the capital. This victory put an end to the Time of Troubles and restored the independence of the Russian state. Battle of Poltava (1709) The Russian army under the command of Peter the Great routed the Swedish king Charles XII. This victory predetermined the outcome of the Northern War and turned Russia into a great European power. Battle of Gangut (1714) The first major naval victory of the Russian fleet over the Swedes under the command of Peter the Great. The Battle of Gangut became the beginning of the glorious traditions of the Russian navy. Taking of Izmail (1790) Alexander Suvorov captured the impregnable Turkish fortress of Izmail by storm. This exploit was the pinnacle of Suvorov's military genius and decided the outcome of the Russian-Turkish War. Victory at Cape Tendra (1790) Admiral Fyodor Ushakov's squadron routed the Turkish fleet. This naval victory ensured Russian naval dominance in the Black Sea. Battle of Borodino (1812) The Russian troops under the command of Mikhail Kutuzov withstood the army of Napoleon. ... Read more