How did Prince Stephen the Great defend Moldavia’s independence?

Prince Stephen the Great, who ruled Moldavia from 1457 to 1504, defended the principality's independence through a combination of military resistance and diplomatic maneuvering against powerful neighbors, including the Ottoman Empire, Hungary, and Poland.12

His defense strategy included:

• Military Resistance: Stephen famously defeated a significantly larger Ottoman army near Vaslui in 1475, a victory that earned him acclaim from Pope Sixtus IV. He also successfully repulsed a Hungarian invasion in 1467.13
• Regional Conflict: He sought to prevent neighboring powers from encroaching on Moldavian territory, including an invasion of Walachia in 1471 to counter Turkish influence.1
• Diplomatic Compromise: Facing persistent pressure and new onslaughts after 1484, Stephen eventually concluded a treaty with the Ottoman sultan Bayezid II. This agreement preserved Moldavian independence but required the payment of an annual tribute to the Turks.12

While his reign was marked by continual strife, Stephen’s efforts were instrumental in maintaining Moldavia's autonomy during a period of intense regional expansionism.12