Velikiye Luki

Velikiye Luki (also transliterated as Velikie Luki, Russian Великие Луки) - city on the Lovat' River in Russia, in Pskov Oblast. 104,979 inhabitants (2002).

Founded in 1211 as a fortress, since 1478 part of Muscovy. During World War II intensive fighting took place in the vicinity between German and Soviet forces during 1941 and 1942. In late 1942 a German force of about 7,000 was surrounded in the town which has been turned into a fortress. After months of heavy fighting, the German defenders were finally wiped out in January 1943. As a result of this siege the city suffered heavy destruction.

See also

• Battle of Velikiye Luki