Vyazma

Vyazma (Russian: Вя́зьма) is a town and the administrative center of Vyazemsky District of Smolensk Oblast, Russia, located on the Vyazma River, about halfway between Smolensk and Mozhaysk. Throughout its turbulent history, the city defended western approaches to the city of Moscow. Population: 57,101 (2010 Census); 57,545 (2002 Census); 59,022 (1989 Census); 44,000 (1970).