But the Mongols did help propel Moscow to prominence, and in doing so, created the idea that this was Russia. And as an aside, they also did what Napoleon, Hitler, and many others couldn't. The Mongols successfully conquered Russia in the winter. Thanks, Thought Bubble. So how did the Mongols help catapult Moscow and its princes to prominence? Well, first, they named Muscovite princes the Grand Prince on more than one occasion. More importantly, the Muscovite princes won, that is to say, purchased, the right to collect tribute on behalf of the Khan from other princes.