Don

The Don is a river in southern Russia that flows through six administrative regions and empties into the Sea of Azov after 1,160 miles (1,870 kilometers). Its source lies southeast of Moscow near Novomoskovsk, from where it runs southeast before turning southwest in its lower course and finally reaching the sea through the Taganrog Gulf.

Greek traders called this waterway Tanais and considered it the boundary between Europe and Asia. Cossack settlements emerged along the banks from the 16th century onward and shaped the region into modern times.

The river shares its name with the Don Cossacks who established settlements along its fertile banks during the 16th and 17th centuries.

The water flows slowly through wide plains and forms many shallow inlets that can be difficult to reach during low water levels. The Volga-Don Canal links the waterway to the Volga and allows boat traffic between different regions of southern Russia.

The waterway bends sharply eastward in its lower section, where the Tsimlyansk Reservoir was created. This artificial lake extends over 190 miles (300 kilometers) in length and reaches depths of around 30 feet (nine meters).

Location: Tula Oblast

Location: Ryazan Oblast

Location: Rostov Oblast

Location: Lipetsk Oblast

Location: Voronezh Oblast

Location: Volgograd Oblast

Part of: Unified Deep Water System of European Russia

GPS coordinates: 54.01220,38.27780

Latest update: December 15, 2025 07:39