Velikiye Luki (Russian:Великие Луки;IPA:[vʲɪˈlʲikʲɪjə ˈlukʲɪ]; lit. great meanders) is a town in Pskov Oblast, Russia, located on the meandering Lovat River. It is the second largest town in Pskov Oblast; population: 98,778(2010 Census);104,979(2002 Census);113,745(**** Census). Velikiye Luki is a City of Military Glory, an honor bestowed on it because of the courage and heroism its citizens displayed during World War II.