During the minority of Ivan IV, border skirmishes have continued unabated, but the leaders of both powers are reluctant to commit their troops to open conflicts.

In 1536, the Russians and Tatars had been on the brink of a new war and met near Lyskovo, but the battle had been averted.

In recent years, the Crimean khan has constructed an offensive alliance with Safa Giray of Kazan, his relative.

When Safa Giray invades Muscovy in December 1540, the Russians use Qasim Tatars to contain him.

After his advance is stalled near Murom, Safa Giray is forced to withdraw towards his own borders.