Following the death of his father in 1490, Dmitry became heir presumptive and was later crowned in 1498 as grand prince by his grandfather.

On 4 February 1498, Ivan III had his grandson, Dmitry, crowned as grand prince of Vladimir, Moscow and all Russia.

On the other hand, his uncle Vasili received, from Ivan III, control of Novgorod and Pskov in 1499.

[5] During the next three years, the Muscovite court became a place of conspiracy between supporters of Dmitry, represented by his mother Elena, and supporters of Ivan's second-born son Vasili, represented by his mother and Ivan III's second wife, Sophia Paleologue.

[6] Three days later, Ivan gave Vasili the title of grand prince and autocrat of all Russia.