[needs copy edit] In 1471, Kholmsky served "with distinction" in Ivan III's military campaign against Novgorod,[1]: 105  again leading the vanguard with Boyar Fedor Davidovich.

[2]: 211-215  After two minor victories at Korostyn and Staraya Russa,[citation needed] he soundly defeated the Novgorodians at the Battle of Shelon (Шелонская битва, Shelonskaya bitva), which had a decisive impact on the balance of power between the two sides and paved the way for the future annexation of Novgorod.

[1]: 105  With courage and skill, Kholmsky secured a peace treaty that forced the Livonians to leave Pskov and granted Russian merchants free trade rights in the Baltic.

][citation needed] In return, Ivan III granted Daniil the title of boyar, after first making him "swear never to leave his service" and forbidding him to serve "any of the Muscovite appanage princes.

[citation needed] In October and November 1480, Daniil Kholmsky took part in the famous Great Standing on the Ugra River, where he was one of the commanders of the Russian forces and organized the fortifications.