Final answer:
The Golden Horde's policy toward Russia was to exact tribute from Russian cities and provinces.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Golden Horde's policy toward Russia can be described as option D: They did not occupy Russian lands, but they exacted tribute from Russian cities and provinces. The Golden Horde maintained a presence in Russia and established their capital in the Volga region. Russian princes were allowed to maintain hegemony over their provinces, but they had to pay tribute to the Golden Horde.