The battle of Vasilev

The battle near Vasilev - the battle in 996 between the troops of the Old Russian state and the Pechenegs on the Transfiguration of the Lord (August 6). The only known victory of the Pechenegs over Vladimir and one of the two famous victories of the Pechenegs over the Russians.

The annals do not contain news that the Pechenegs made an invasion in the absence of the Kiev prince in the capital. At the same time, Vladimir met the Pechenegs already on the right, Kiev side of the Dnieper, only 30 km away. south of Kiev.

The details of the battle did not reach us, but it is known that after the failure on the battlefield, Vladimir escaped from the Pechenegs under the bridge . The annals do not indicate which bridge is meant: a bridge over Stugna , on the northern shore of which Vasilyov stands, or a bridge over a city moat. In addition, the preposition “ under” can mean not only lower , but also in the immediate vicinity ^[2] Thus, the battle could take place on the south bank of the river, like the unsuccessful battle with the Polovtsy in 1093, and the Russian army could retreat beyond the water barrier, or on the north shore, directly at the city walls, in this case, the Russian army took refuge in the city.

After the departure of the Pechenegs Vladimir set up a church in Vasilyev in the name of the Holy Transfiguration.