Oprichnina. This word evokes many associations: from torture and executions perpetrated by bloodthirsty “kromeshniks” to the image of Ivan the Terrible and his faithful servants as outstanding reformers and supporters of progress. The famous historian, world-famous scientist Ruslan Grigorievich Skrynnikov, analyzes the political development of the country that led to oprichnina, its social structure, land policy at the first stage of the existence of the oprichnina. The internal history of the oprichnina is considered in inextricable connection with the events of the Livonian War, which had an exceptional impact on the fate of Russia, its economy and the life of the people.