Is it possible for the Kievian Rus to survive to the present day and what is required for it to survive.
Is it possible for the Kievian Rus to survive to the present day and what is required for it to survive.
AFAIK the trade routes from Constantinople to points further north was a corner-stone of Kievan wealth. The decline of the Byzantines in the 11th century essentially butterflied into a decline of Kievan Rus.
What if Byzantium didn't decline as quickly, or perhaps a savvy Kievan ruler supports the Latin Empire over the Byzantines, and gains preferential trading relations as well as support against the Muscovites.
Moscow in this period is irrelevant. There barely even is a Moscow in this period. Its not until after the Mongols have come that Moscow is even remotely worth noting.
Also, the Latin Empire was a powerless state. Above and beyond any other reasons to not support it, like it being a freakin' Crusader Catholic state.
And the problem with "a savvy Kievan ruler" is that "who that ruler is" is being disputed - by cunning use of force - by the princes. That tore any "state" apart.
And I'm not sure how much a stronger state than the OTL mid-12th century Byzantine Empire would matter.