Batu Khan was a prominent Mongol leader and the grandson of Genghis Khan. He played a crucial role in the expansion of the Mongol Empire during the 13th century. Batu led the Golden Horde, a powerful Mongol khanate that controlled parts of modern-day Russia and Eastern Europe. Batu Khan is best known for his successful military campaigns, including the invasion of Kievan Rus in 1237. His forces captured key cities, significantly impacting the region's political landscape. Batu's leadership helped establish Mongol dominance in Eastern Europe, shaping the history of the area for centuries to come.