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What happened at the Battle of Kulikovo in 1380?

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Historical map of the Mongol Empire at the death of Kublai Khan in 1294, showing the empire divided into four main khanates: the Golden Horde in the northwest, the Ilkhanate in the southwest, the Chagatai Khanate in central Asia, and the Yuan Dynasty in the east, covering much of China. Major cities such as Karakorum, Beijing (Khanbaliq), Baghdad, and Constantinople are marked.
Mongol empire

The Battle of Kulikovo, fought on September 8, 1380, near the Don River, was a significant military engagement between Russian forces and the Golden Horde. It is historically celebrated as the first major victory for Russian forces over the Mongol occupiers since the 13th century.1

Led by Dmitry II, the Prince of Moscow, the Russian army faced forces commanded by Mamai. The battle featured a duel between champions, followed by a general engagement. Dmitry famously survived by switching armor with a follower. The conflict turned when a Russian cavalry flank, reinforced by fresh troops, forced the Tatars to withdraw.1

While the victory established Dmitry as a hero—earning him the name "Donskoy"—it did not end Mongol empire rule. Two years later, the new leader Tokhtamysh sacked Moscow, forcing Dmitry to resume tribute payments. Nevertheless, the battle marked a pivotal step in the Duchy of Moscow’s rise to leadership and its growing independence from Mongol domination.1