What was the relationship between the Byzantines and the slavic people including the Russians?

The relationship between the Byzantines and the Slavic peoples, including the Russians, was marked by both cultural exchange and conflict. The Byzantines influenced Slavic societies through trade, religion, and diplomacy, notably by spreading Christianity, which led to the Christianization of the Kievan Rus' in the 10th century. This cultural exchange facilitated the adoption of Byzantine art, literature, and governance among Slavic nations. However, there were also military confrontations, as the Byzantines sought to maintain their territorial integrity against Slavic incursions.