How did Russian gain more territory and becoming a empire?

Russia expanded its territory and became an empire through a combination of military conquests, strategic marriages, and diplomatic efforts. Key military campaigns against neighboring states and peoples, such as the Mongols, the Swedes, and various Central Asian tribes, allowed Russia to annex vast lands. Additionally, the expansion was facilitated by the establishment of trade routes and the incorporation of diverse ethnic groups into the Russian state. The reign of leaders like Peter the Great and Catherine the Great further accelerated this process, promoting westernization and imperial ambitions.