Abstract: In the article, the author analyzes the notes of diplomats who came to Muscovy at the end of the XVІ century and had the opportunity to feel the features of the daily life of the royal court of Dopetrovskaya Rus, entering into direct contact with the highest authorities. Being cunning and observant people, they comprehended the character and motives of Ivan the Terrible's actions, with whom they had a number of private conversations. Conclusions are drawn that reflect the specifics of diplomatic works as a special type of historical source, emphasis is placed on the features of the "Western mentality" of their authors. The author comes to the conclusion that the negative image of Grozny in these works is present largely due to the failure of diplomatic missions. Since the foreign envoys failed to achieve their goals, with bitter resentment they reflect in their writings the customs of a country they do not understand and its sovereign. This serves as an additional reason for classifying these writings as highly subjective.