Prior to his conquest of Siberia, Yermak's combat experience consisted of leading a Cossack detachment for the tsar in the Livonian War of 1558-83 and plundering merchant ships.
Sebelum Penaklukan Siberia, pengalaman tempur Yermak mencakup memimpin detasemen Cossack untuk tsar di Perang Livonian 1558-83 serta menjarah kapal-kapal dagang.