a city in western Russia on the Dnieper River; scene of severe fighting in World War II

One of the oldest cities in Russia. It was first mentioned in a chronicle in the year 863. The name “Key City” has become attached to Smolensk in Russian history, because it protects Moscow from the west.

Smolensk is a city in western Russia, located on the Dnieper River, the administrative centre of Smolensk Oblast. Its population in 2003 was estimated as 351,100 (325,137 as of 2002 Census). Situated some 225 miles west-southwest of Moscow, this walled city was destroyed several times throughout its long history.