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List of rivers of Russia
List of rivers of Russia
List of rivers of Russia
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Russia can be divided into a European and an Asian part. The dividing line is generally considered to be the Ural Mountains. The European part is drained into the Arctic Ocean, Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and Caspian Sea. The Asian part is drained into the Arctic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

Notable rivers of Russia in Europe are the Volga (which is the longest river in Europe), Pechora, Don, Kama, Oka and the Northern Dvina, while several other rivers originate in Russia but flow into other countries, such as the Dnieper (flowing through Russia, then Belarus and Ukraine and into the Black Sea) and the Western Dvina (flowing through Russia, then Belarus and Latvia into the Baltic Sea).

In Asia, important rivers are the Ob, the Irtysh, the Yenisei, the Angara, the Lena, the Amur, the Yana, the Indigirka, and the Kolyma.

In the list below, the rivers are grouped by the seas or oceans into which they flow. Rivers that flow into other rivers are ordered by the proximity of their point of confluence to the mouth of the main river, i.e., the lower in the list, the more upstream.

There is an alphabetical list of rivers at the end of this article.

The Neva River in Saint Petersburg
Crimia is Ukraine
Major Rivers in Russia

Barents Sea and White Sea (Arctic Ocean)

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The rivers in this section are sorted east to west, and anticlockwise around the Kola Peninsula.

Baltic Sea

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Rivers of western Russia

The rivers in this section are sorted southwest to northeast.

Black Sea

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The rivers in this section are sorted west to east.

Caspian Sea

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The rivers in this section are sorted west to east.

Arctic Ocean, east of the Urals

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The rivers in this section are sorted west to east.

Pacific Ocean/Sea of Okhotsk

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The rivers in this section are sorted northeast to southwest, and anticlockwise around the Kamchatka Peninsula.

Endorheic Siberian rivers

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Unsorted

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Alphabetical list

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A–G

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Abakan, Alazeya, Aldan, Aley, Ambarnaya, Amga, Amur, Anabar, Anadyr, Angara River, Angrapa, Anyuy (Kolyma), Anyuy (Amur), Argun, Avacha, Barguzin, Bashkaus, Belaya, Berezayka, Bikin, Bityug, Biya, Bolshaya Belaya, Bolshaya Pyora (Amur Oblast), Bolshaya Pyora (Komi Republic), Buotama, Bureya, Chagoda, Chebdar, Cheptsa, Chernaya, Chulym (Ob), Chulyshman, Chusovaya, Cupid, Daugava/Western Dvina, Dep, Desna, Dnieper, Don, (Seversky) Donets, Dubna, El'duga

I–L

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Ik, Ilek, Indigirka, Ingoda, Instruch, Iokanga, Irkut, Irtysh, Iset, Ishim, Istra, Izhora, Kama, Kamo River (Russia), Kamchatka, Kashinka, Kasplya, Katanga, Katun, Kazanka, Kerzhenets, Ket, Khatanga, Kheta, Khopyor, Kirenga, Klyazma, Kolva (Usa), Kolva (Vishera), Kolyma, Kondurcha, Kosovka, Kosovoy, Kostroma, Kotorosl, Kotuy, Kozhim, Krasnaya River, Kuban, Kubr, Kuma, Kunya, Laba, Lama, Lava/Łyna, Lena, Lovat, Lower Tunguska, Luga, Lyutenge

M–S

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Malka, Malaya Belaya, Manych, Markha, Markha (Vilyuy), Matta, Maya, Mezen, Mga, Miass, Mius, Moksha, Mologa, Moskva, Msta, Mulyanka, Muna, Nadym, Nara, Narva, Nautsiyoki River, Neglinnaya, Nemunas/Neman, Nercha, Nerl (Klyazma), Nerl (Volga), Neva, Niva, Northern Dvina, Nyuya, Ob, Oka (Volga), Oka (Angara River), Olenyok, Olyokma, Om, Omolon, Onega, Onon, Oredezh, Osuga, Oyat, Pakhra, Pasha, Parabel, Pechora, Pinega, Pissa, Plava, Podkamennaya Tunguska, Podkumok, Pola, Polist, Polota, Ponoy, Pra, Pregolya, Protva, Pur, Pyasina, Ravan, Ruza, Sakmara, Sal, Samara, Seim, Selemdzha, Selenga, Sestra River (Leningrad Oblast), Sestra River (Dubna), Šešupė, Setun, Sheksna, Shelon, Shilka, Shosha, Sudost, Sukhona, Suola, Sura, Svir, Sviyaga, Syas, Sylva

T–Z

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Tavda, Tara, Taz, Terek, Tetere, Teza, Tigoda, Tobol, Tom (Ob), Tom (Zeya), Tosna, Tsna River (Moksha basin), Tsna River (Tver Oblast), Tugur, Tumen, Tura, Turukhan, Tvertsa, Tym, Tyung, Uda (Buryatia), Uda (Khabarovsk Krai), Ufa, Uftyuga, Ugra, Unzha, Upa, Upper Angara River, Ural, Usa, Ussuri, Uver, Uzola, Vaga, Vakh, Valdayka, Varzuga, Vasyugan, Velikaya, Vetluga, Vilyuy, Vishera (Volkhov), Vishera (Vychegda), Vishera (Kama), Vitim, Volchya (Vuoksi), Volga, Volkhov, Vologda, Voronezh, Voronya, Vuoksi, Vyatka, Vyazma, Vychegda, Vytegra, Yana, Yauza, Yegoshikha, Yomtsa, Yenisei, Yug, Yuryuzan, Zeya, Zhupanova

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

List of rivers of Russia

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Russia possesses one of the world's most extensive river networks, comprising over 120,000 rivers longer than 10 kilometers, with a combined length of approximately 2.3 million kilometers. These waterways span the country's vast territory across Europe and Asia, shaping its geography and supporting diverse ecosystems from the tundra to the taiga. The major rivers of Russia include some of the longest globally, such as the Yenisey-Angara at 5,539 km, the Ob-Irtysh at 5,410 km, the Lena at 4,400 km, the Amur at 4,444 km, and the Volga at 3,645 km. They primarily drain into four key basins: the Arctic Ocean (covering rivers like the Ob, Yenisei, and Lena, with watershed areas up to 2.97 million sq km), the Pacific Ocean (including the Amur basin at 1.93 million sq km), the Caspian Sea (Volga basin at 1.41 million sq km), and the Black Sea (Don and Dnieper basins). This distribution reflects Russia's position bridging continental divides, with rivers facilitating northward flows to the Arctic and eastward to the Pacific in Siberia. Russia's rivers play critical roles in the , serving as primary arteries for transportation—particularly in remote Siberian regions where they enable the shipment of timber, , and minerals via approximately 101,000 km of inland waterways, of which about 50,000 km are navigable with guaranteed depths (as of 2025). They also support substantial hydroelectric power generation, harnessing the flow of major systems like the Volga-Kama cascade to produce a significant portion of the nation's , while providing essential for , industry, and fisheries. Ecologically, these rivers sustain hotspots and contribute to global water cycles, though they face challenges from and human development.

Northern Basins (Arctic Ocean)

Barents Sea and White Sea

The rivers draining into the and form a critical component of Russia's European hydrology, channeling freshwater from the and surrounding lowlands into the . These waterways, primarily in the , , and , support seasonal navigation, fisheries, and resource extraction while influencing regional climate through high-volume discharges influenced by Atlantic moisture. Unlike more eastern basins, these rivers exhibit relatively stable flow regimes due to milder winters and limited coverage, facilitating greater and human activity in their valleys. The Pechora River stands as the dominant waterway in this basin, with a length of 1,809 km and a drainage area of 322,000 km². Originating in the Ural Mountains near Yaksha in the Komi Republic, it flows northward through tundra and taiga landscapes before emptying into the Pechora Bay of the Barents Sea near Naryan-Mar. Major tributaries include the Usa from the right and the Izhma from the left, contributing to its substantial sediment and nutrient loads. The basin hosts significant oil and gas reserves in the Timan-Pechora province, where multiple deposits support Russia's energy sector, though extraction poses risks to water quality. The River, measuring 744 km in length with a basin area of 357,000 km², ranks as the largest by drainage in European northern . It forms at the confluence of the Sukhona and Yug rivers near Veliky Ustyug in , then courses through to discharge into the Dvina Bay of the via a expansive delta covering 1,100 km². Key tributaries such as the Vychegda (right), Pinega (right), and Vaga (left) enhance its flow, enabling full navigability for its entire length and historical trade routes dating to . As part of the integrated inland waterway network, it connects via the Northern Dvina Canal to the broader Volga-Baltic system, indirectly supporting logistics tied to the White Sea-Baltic Canal for trans-Arctic shipping. Smaller rivers complement this network, including the Mezen (966 km long, 78,000 km² basin), which rises in the Timan Ridge and flows into Mezen Bay of the , supporting local timber floating. The Onega (416 km long, 57,000 km² basin) originates near Lake Lacha and enters Onega Bay, with an average discharge of 505 m³/s at its mouth aiding regional hydropower. The Vyg (237 km long, 27,100 km² basin), split into upper and lower segments around Lake Vygozero, discharges into the White Sea near Belomorsk and forms a backbone for the White Sea-Baltic Canal infrastructure. Hydrologically, these basins feature discontinuous or absent permafrost in their southern and central zones, contrasting with the continuous permafrost in Siberian counterparts, which allows for higher infiltration and but results in elevated discharges—up to 30% greater per unit area for rivers like the compared to eastern systems. This leads to peak spring floods from , with average flows sustaining ice-free windows longer than in permafrost-dominated regions.
RiverLength (km)Basin Area (km²)MouthKey Features
1,809322,000 (Pechora Bay)Oil/gas resources; major tributaries Usa, Izhma
744357,000 (Dvina Bay)Fully navigable; formed by Sukhona-Yug; ties to canal systems
Mezen96678,000 (Mezen Bay)Timber transport
Onega41657,000 (Onega Bay)High discharge (505 m³/s at mouth)
Vyg23727,100Canal infrastructure around Vygozero

Kara, Laptev, and East Siberian Seas

The rivers draining into the Kara, Laptev, and East Siberian Seas represent some of the longest and most voluminous in the world, shaping the hydrology of central and eastern through vast taiga-covered basins dominated by . These waterways, including the Ob, Yenisei, and Lena, originate in mountainous regions and flow northward across low-gradient plains, contributing significantly to freshwater influx. Their basins cover millions of square kilometers, influencing regional , ecosystems, and human activities such as and . The Ob River, with a length of 3,650 km and a basin area of approximately 2,975,000 km², originates in the Altai Mountains and discharges into the Gulf of Ob in the Kara Sea. Its primary tributary, the Irtysh River, extends 4,248 km and joins the Ob near Tobolsk, forming one of the world's longest river systems at over 5,400 km combined. The Ob's low gradient promotes extensive meandering and seasonal flooding, exacerbated by permafrost that limits infiltration and sustains high spring discharges from snowmelt. Oil extraction in the West Siberian lowlands has led to notable pollution, with petroleum hydrocarbons contaminating waters and sediments, particularly in the middle basin. Further east, the Yenisei River spans 3,487 km with a basin area of 2,580,000 km², sourcing from headwaters in Mongolia's Tannu-Ola Mountains before flowing north to the . Major tributaries such as the (1,779 km, fed by ) and the Lower Tunguska enhance its volume, supporting a nival flow regime where over 80% of annual discharge occurs during spring thaw. The river's hydroelectric potential is harnessed by major dams, including the Sayano-Shushenskaya facility, which generates significant power but has faced stability challenges from seismic activity in the region. coverage, exceeding 70% in the basin, restricts and amplifies flood risks during ice breakup. The Lena River, the longest in this group at 4,400 km and with a basin area of 2,490,000 km², rises in the Baikal Mountains and empties into the Laptev Sea via a vast delta spanning 30,000 km². Key tributaries include the Vitim (1,978 km) and Aldan (2,272 km), which drain permafrost-rich plateaus and contribute to its average discharge of 533 km³/year. The Lena Delta Reserve, Russia's largest protected wilderness area covering 14.3 million hectares, features unique thermokarst lakes formed by thawing permafrost, hosting diverse Arctic flora and fauna. Like other regional rivers, its flow is characterized by low winter baseflow due to frozen soils and dramatic summer peaks from melting snow and ice. Smaller but significant rivers include the Pyasina (818 km), which flows into the after traversing landscapes; the Yana (1,473 km), Olenyok (2,270 km), and Khatanga (1,636 km including headwaters from the Kotuy), entering the ; the (2,129 km), entering the ; and the (1,726 km), discharging into the with a basin marked by extreme seasonal variability. These rivers collectively exhibit cryogenic influences, such as discontinuous causing irregular channel migration and aufeis (icing) formations that alter winter flows. Their northward orientation contrasts with more temperate western systems, emphasizing the role of and cryosols in sustaining massive sediment loads to the .
RiverLength (km)Basin Area (km²)SourceMouthMajor Tributaries
Ob3,6502,975,000 () (4,248 km)
Yenisei3,4872,580,000Tannu-Ola Mountains, , Lower Tunguska
Lena4,4002,490,000Baikal MountainsVitim, Aldan
Pyasina818182,000Taimyr PeninsulaNorilskaya
Yana1,473238,000Yana Plateau (Yana Bay)Dulgalakh
Olenyok2,270219,000Arga-Sala
Khatanga1,636364,000 (Khatanga Gulf)Kotuy, Kheta
Kolyma2,129644,000 Mountains ( Gulf)Selennyakh, Yasachnaya
Indigirka1,726360,000Verkhoyansky RangeMoma, Nera

Eastern Basins (Pacific Ocean)

Sea of Okhotsk and Bering Sea

The rivers draining into the Sea of Okhotsk and Bering Sea originate primarily from the Kamchatka Peninsula and Chukotka Autonomous Okrug in Russia's Far East, forming isolated basins shaped by volcanic terrain and Pacific influences. These waterways support unique ecosystems, including prolific salmon migrations, and experience high seasonal variability due to the region's tectonics and climate. Unlike the expansive transboundary systems to the south, these rivers feature shorter, steeper gradients influenced by subduction zone dynamics, contributing freshwater to the northern Pacific margins. Major rivers in this drainage include the Kamchatka River, which spans 758 km with a basin area of 56,100 km², originating in the central Sredinny Range of the Kamchatka Peninsula and flowing northward into the Sea of Okhotsk near Ust-Kamchatsk. It is renowned for its massive salmon runs, hosting millions of Pacific salmon species that spawn annually, sustaining local fisheries and wildlife. The Anadyr River, measuring 1,150 km in length and covering a 191,000 km² basin, rises on the Anadyr Plateau in Chukotka and discharges into the Gulf of Anadyr in the Bering Sea, with the Main River as its primary tributary. This river plays a vital role in indigenous Chukchi reindeer herding, where migratory herds rely on its valley grasslands for seasonal grazing. Smaller but significant rivers include the Sugoi, which extends 347 km and empties into the ; the Avacha, 122 km long, flowing into the near the via Avacha Bay; and the Penzhina, 714 km in length, draining into Penzhina Bay of the with a basin of 73,500 km².
RiverLength (km)Basin Area (km²)Source RegionMouth
Kamchatka75856,100Sredinny Range, KamchatkaSea of Okhotsk
Anadyr1,150191,000Anadyr Plateau, ChukotkaBering Sea (Gulf of Anadyr)
Sugoi347-Kamchatka PeninsulaSea of Okhotsk
Avacha1225,090Southern KamchatkaPacific Ocean (Avacha Bay)
Penzhina71473,500Kolyma MountainsSea of Okhotsk (Penzhina Bay)
Volcanic activity profoundly shapes these river basins, with high triggering landslides and altering channels, while geothermal springs warm tributaries and create unique thermal habitats along valleys. For instance, the Kamchatka River's basin intersects active volcanic zones, fostering hotspots where and hot springs line river valleys, supporting specialized microbial and aquatic life amid the rugged terrain. Seasonal typhoons from the Pacific further impact discharge, causing rapid floods that redistribute sediments and nutrients in these seismically active systems.

Amur River Basin (Sea of Japan)

The Basin, also known as the River Basin, represents Russia's primary drainage system into the via the , covering a vast transboundary area shared with and . The basin's main artery, the , originates at the confluence of the Shilka and Argun rivers and flows eastward for approximately 2,824 km within Russian territory, with a total length of 4,444 km when including its headwaters; its drainage area spans 1,855,000 km², supporting diverse ecosystems from forests in the north to transitional forest-steppe zones in the south. The river empties into the Tatar Strait, a marginal sea of the Pacific, where it discharges heavy loads that form extensive deltas and influence coastal . Known in Chinese as or "Black Dragon River" due to its dark waters from organic-rich soils, the sustains rich , including endemic sturgeon species prized for production. Major tributaries contribute significantly to the Amur's flow and define its hydrological character. The Zeya River, a key left-bank , stretches 1,242 km and joins the at , draining mountainous regions and providing vital water during seasonal monsoons. The Bureya River, another left-bank inflow, measures about 640 km in length and enters the downstream of the Zeya, with its basin regulated by the Bureya Hydroelectric Power Station, which alters downstream flows. On the right bank, the River forms a 897 km border segment between and before merging with the near , facilitating cross-border ecosystems but also complicating water management. The Songhua (Sungari) River, partially influencing Russian reaches through its 1,897 km total course in , adds substantial volume at its confluence south of the , though its upper basin lies outside . Smaller but notable tributaries include the Bidzhan River, which drains 7,940 km² in the before entering the , and the Gorin River, a 390 km left-bank stream supporting wetland habitats in .
RiverLength (km)SideKey Notes
(main stem)2,824 (Russia); 4,444 (total)-Transboundary; mouth in Tatar Strait
Zeya1,242LeftJoins at ; Zeiskaya Dam upstream
Bureya640LeftRegulated by Bureya HPP; mountainous source
897RightForms -China border
Songhua (Sungari)1,897 (total)RightMajor Chinese tributary; partial influence in Russia
Bidzhan~300 (est.)RightDrains
Gorin390LeftSupports Amur wetlands
Transboundary dynamics pose ongoing challenges, including developments on tributaries like the Zeya and Bureya, where dams such as Zeiskaya and Bureya HPPs control flows but raise concerns over sediment trapping and ecological impacts across borders. The basin's monsoon-influenced climate exacerbates flooding risks, as seen in the event, which affected over 50,000 people in Russia's through evacuations and infrastructure damage, while broader regional impacts displaced hundreds of thousands in adjacent areas. Ecologically, the basin transitions from dense conifer forests to steppes, fostering habitats for sturgeon like the and species, whose harvest has historically supported local economies but now faces conservation pressures from and alteration.

Western Basins (Atlantic Ocean)

Baltic Sea

The rivers draining into the from Russian territory are primarily located in the northwestern regions, including and the exclave, forming short waterways influenced by urban development and post-glacial hydrology. These rivers originate in a landscape shaped by the retreat of the last , where numerous post-glacial lakes, such as and , serve as key reservoirs feeding the flow into the Baltic. Unlike longer steppe rivers in other basins, these are characterized by forested catchments with relatively high runoff from and , though they face significant anthropogenic pressures. The dominant river in this basin is the , which outflows from near and flows 74 km westward to the at St. Petersburg, with a vast of 281,000 km² encompassing much of northwestern and parts of . Its average discharge reaches 2,500 m³/s, making it one of Europe's most voluminous rivers despite its brevity, driven by the regulated outflow from . The plays a critical navigational role, linking inland waterways to the and facilitating access for 's based in the region. Other notable rivers include the , Luga, and (historically known as Pregel). The , shared along the Estonia-Russia border, spans 77 km from to Narva Bay in the , with a basin area of 56,200 km² predominantly in . The Luga extends 353 km through Leningrad and Novgorod oblasts before entering the at Luga Bay, draining a 13,200 km² forested area prone to seasonal flooding. In , the flows 123 km to the , bisecting the historic city of Königsberg (now ) and holding significance in Prussian history as the central artery of East Prussia's capital, notably in the famous Seven Bridges problem posed by Leonhard Euler in 1736.
RiverLength (km)Basin Area (km²)MouthKey Notes
Neva74281,000Outflow from ; high discharge supports navigation for .
Narva7756,200Narva Bay, Border river with ; fed by .
Luga35313,200Luga Bay, Flows through ; subject to snowmelt-driven peaks.
Pregolya12315,500Traverses ; historical Prussian waterway.
These rivers contribute substantially to the 's freshwater input, with the alone accounting for approximately 16% of the total riverine freshwater input to the . However, urban influences exacerbate environmental challenges, particularly in the , where from St. Petersburg—treated since major upgrades in the 2010s—adds significant nutrient loads via the , comprising up to 70% of inputs to the eastern gulf and promoting algal blooms. This contrasts briefly with neighboring European basins, where rivers like those in emphasize agricultural runoff over urban sources. Ongoing monitoring by regional bodies highlights improved treatment efficacy, yet persistent legacy underscores the need for transboundary management.

Black Sea and Sea of Azov

The rivers draining into the and in southern form vital and agricultural basins, supporting extensive and fisheries amid a characterized by seasonal flow variability. These rivers originate in the or and flow southward through fertile soils, where precipitation averages 400-600 mm annually, leading to high spring floods from and low summer flows exacerbated by and agricultural withdrawals. Damming for and has stabilized flows but reduced delivery to coastal deltas, impacting ecosystems. The Don River, the largest in the basin, stretches 1,870 km from its source near Tula in the Central Russian Upland to its mouth in the Sea of Azov near Rostov-on-Don, draining a basin of 422,000 km² that encompasses steppes used for wheat and sunflower cultivation. Its major tributary, the Northern Donets (Seversky Donets), adds 1,053 km of length and contributes significantly to the basin's approximately 31 km³ annual discharge, though seasonal variability causes peak flows in April-May exceeding 10,000 m³/s and summer lows below 200 m³/s. Historically, the Don facilitated Cossack navigation and trade from the 16th century, with settlements like the Don Cossack Host using flat-bottomed boats for transport along its meandering course, enabling military campaigns and grain shipments to the Azov ports. The Kuban River, 870 km long with a 58,000 km² basin, rises in the Caucasus Mountains from the Ullukam and Uchkulan rivers near Mount Elbrus and flows northwest to its delta in the Sea of Azov at Temryuk Bay, irrigating over 1 million hectares in Krasnodar and Rostov regions for rice, vegetables, and vineyards. Its flow varies seasonally from 2,000 m³/s in spring floods to under 200 m³/s in dry summers, influenced by the semi-arid continental climate, with reservoirs like the Krasnodar Dam regulating supply for agriculture. The Kuban delta along the Black Sea coast, spanning 100 km² of wetlands, supports diverse fisheries yielding species like pikeperch and roach, contributing to regional catches of over 10,000 tons annually through traditional net fishing in brackish lagoons. Smaller rivers include the Mius River, 258 km long, which originates in the Donetsk highlands and empties into the east of , its 6,680 km² basin exhibiting high flow variability in the semi-arid with peak discharges supporting limited . The Tsimlyansk Reservoir on the Don, formed by a 1952 , stores 23.9 km³ for across 750,000 hectares in , mitigating floods while enabling year-round navigation and boosting agricultural output by 20-30% through canal systems.
RiverLength (km)Basin Area (km²)SourceMouthKey Features
Don1,870422,000Near Tula, Major tributary: ; Cossack navigation history; Tsimlyansk Reservoir for
Kuban87058,000 () (Temryuk Bay)Irrigation for Rostov crops; delta fisheries
Mius2586,680Donetsk HighlandsSeasonal flow variability in

Southern Basins (Caspian and Endorheic)

Caspian Sea

The , the world's largest inland body of water, forms an primarily fed by rivers originating in European and Caucasian Russia, with the Volga River providing over 80% of the total inflow and exerting dominant control over the sea's hydrological balance. This system supports diverse ecosystems but faces pressures from human modifications and climate variability. As of 2025, the has reached its lowest recorded level in over a century, with a decline of about 2 meters since the and recent annual drops of 6-7 cm, exacerbating ecological concerns. The River stands as Europe's longest river at 3,531 km, originating in the of and discharging into the northern via a vast delta spanning approximately 26,000 km². Its basin covers 1,360,000 km², encompassing about one-third of European Russia's territory and supporting over 40% of the country's population through , industry, and . Major tributaries include the Oka (1,500 km long, basin 243,000 km²), (1,805 km long, basin 507,000 km²), and Sura (841 km long, basin 65,600 km²), which collectively enhance the river's average discharge of around 8,000 m³/s near its mouth. The Ural River, measuring 2,428 km in length, originates in the southern Ural Mountains near Mount Sinyukha in Russia and flows southward into the Caspian Sea, forming part of the natural boundary with Kazakhstan for much of its lower course. Its basin spans 231,000 km², with roughly 53% in Russia and the remainder in Kazakhstan, contributing an average annual discharge of about 10.6 km³ to the sea. The lower basin hosts significant oil fields within the broader Volga-Ural petroleum province, where over 600 fields have been discovered, driving regional economic development but also posing environmental risks from extraction activities. In the North Caucasus, the Terek River contributes substantially to the western inflow, with its Russian segment extending 367 km from the Georgia-Russia border to the Caspian Sea, draining a basin of 27,000 km² in Russian territory. Sourcing from the Caucasus Mountains near Mount Kazbek at elevations over 5,000 m, it empties into the sea via a dynamic delta prone to frequent flooding due to heavy seasonal precipitation and rapid snowmelt, with historical floods displacing communities and altering channel morphology. Smaller but notable rivers include the Sulak, a 144 km stream rising in the eastern and entering the Caspian near , and the Samur, which stretches 213 km along the Russia-Azerbaijan border before joining the sea, supporting transboundary water sharing agreements. Human interventions, particularly the damming of the —including the massive formed by the Volgograd Hydroelectric Station in 1960—have profoundly impacted the endorheic system by trapping sediments and regulating flows, reducing annual suspended sediment delivery to the Caspian from ~19 million tons to ~8 million tons compared to pre-dam levels. This sediment deficit exacerbates in the and contributes to risks, as diminished freshwater inflows amid climate-driven trends have led to observed salinization increases, with sea levels fluctuating by over 3 m since the 1990s and projections indicating potential further declines of 5-18 m by 2100 under high-emission scenarios.
RiverLength (km)Basin Area (km²)SourceMajor Features
Volga3,5311,360,000Europe's longest; tributaries: Oka, Kama, Sura; dammed extensively
Ural2,428231,000Shared with ; oil fields in lower basin
Terek367 (in Russia)27,000 (in Russia)Prone to floods; North Caucasus inflow
Sulak14415,200Eastern CaucasusShort, steep; enters near
Samur2135,000Forms Russia-Azerbaijan border

Endorheic Basins in Siberia

Endorheic basins in consist of closed drainage systems within the , where rivers and streams terminate in inland lakes, marshes, or evaporate without reaching external water bodies. These basins are prevalent in the arid and semiarid zones of southwestern , characterized by low , high rates, and minimal river network development. The resulting low discharge leads to the accumulation of salts and minerals in terminal water bodies, fostering saline and hypersaline conditions that support unique ecosystems but also contribute to environmental vulnerability. Lake Chany, the largest in , exemplifies this with its brackish waters fed by local rivers in and oblasts. Major rivers in these basins include the Chulym, which flows 392 km through the Baraba Lowland before draining into Malye Chany Lake, part of the broader Lake Chany system, with a basin area of 17,900 km² spanning and oblasts. The Chulym plays a key role in the formation of extensive bogs across the , where its creates swampy meadows and drainage lakes that support oligotrophic mire landscapes. Further south, the Bagan River, 364 km long, originates in the Ob Plateau and terminates in the Kulunda Lake system after traversing , with a catchment of 10,700 km². Similarly, the Karasuk River extends 531 km southwestward through the Baraba Steppe in , ending in a network of small endorheic lakes and marshes with a basin of 11,300 km². The Tobol River, while primarily draining to the Irtysh, features partial endorheic tributaries and sub-basins in its southern reaches, such as the Uy River (462 km long, basin 34,400 km²), which contributes to closed depressions amid the otherwise exorheic main channel. Ishim River sub-basins also include endorheic components in the Ishim Plain, where small streams feed isolated saline lakes rather than joining the main river flow to the Irtysh. These systems highlight the fragmented hydrology of the region, with most territory outside major valleys like the Tobol belonging to endorheic catchments. Arid conditions dominate these basins, with annual often below 400 mm and exceeding inflow, resulting in low discharge (typically <1 m³/s for smaller streams) and progressive of terminal lakes. Salt accumulation is pronounced, as seen in lakes like Tengiz, where and levels reach tens of grams per liter due to evaporative concentration in the closed basin shared across the Russia-Kazakhstan border; in Lake Tengiz varies from 50 to 200 g/L, while (TDS) across associated regional waters average 26.9 g/L, with peaks up to 160 g/L, promoting of carbonates like and hydromagnesite in sediments. Human activities have exacerbated degradation in these basins, particularly through Soviet-era and drainage projects aimed at expanding in the Baraba and Kulunda steppes. These efforts, including canal construction and peatland drainage for cultivation, reduced river flows—such as in the , where water volume has notably declined—and disrupted bog , leading to soil salinization, risks, and loss of wetland biodiversity. Post-Soviet abandonment has allowed partial recovery, but ongoing climate-driven evaporation intensifies these pressures.
RiverLength (km)Terminal FeatureBasin Area (km²)Region
Chulym (Malye Chany)392Lake Chany system17,900/ oblasts
Bagan364Kulunda Lake system10,700
Karasuk531Small lakes/marshes11,300
Uy (Tobol tributary)462Endorheic depressions34,400/ oblasts
Ishim sub-basinsVaries (<200)Saline lakes<5,000 (local)

Alphabetical List

A–G

The rivers of Russia whose names begin with the letters A through G include several major waterways that play key roles in the country's hydrology, transportation, and ecology. This section lists prominent examples in alphabetical order, providing brief summaries of their primary basins and lengths, with cross-references to detailed basin discussions where applicable. Aldan – The Aldan is a major right tributary of the Lena River in the Arctic Ocean basin, with a length of 2,273 km and a drainage area of 729,000 km², originating in the Stanovoy Range and flowing primarily through eastern Siberia. Amur – The forms the backbone of the Amur River Basin draining to the Sea of Japan (see Amur River Basin section), with a of 2,824 km along the Russia-China border and a total basin area exceeding 1,855,000 km² for the river system; its name derives from the Manchu term for "black river," reflecting its dark waters. Angara – The serves as the primary outlet of and a key tributary of the Yenisei River in the Arctic Ocean basin, measuring 1,779 km in and draining approximately 1,039,000 km² across southern . Dnieper – The flows partially through western as part of the basin (see and section), with a total length of 2,201 km (about 485 km within ) and a basin of 504,000 km² shared with and . Don – The Don is a principal river of the and basins (see and section), extending 1,870 km from the Central Russian Uplands to the and covering a basin of 425,600 km² primarily in ; its name originates from the Indo-European root *dānu-, meaning "river" or "flowing water."

H–M

The rivers of Russia with names beginning from H to M encompass a diverse array of waterways, primarily draining into the , , and [Caspian Sea](/page/Caspian Sea) basins, reflecting the country's expansive hydrological network across European and Asian territories. These rivers vary in scale from major transboundary systems to regional tributaries, contributing to transportation, fisheries, and regional economies. The following provides concise entries for selected prominent examples, organized alphabetically, including basin affiliation and length where verifiably documented.
River NameBasin AffiliationLength (km)Notes
IndigirkaEast Siberian Sea (Arctic Ocean)1,726Originates in the Verkhoyansk Mountains and flows northward through the Chersky Range; its basin covers approximately 305,000 km², supporting limited navigation during summer thaws.
IrtyshOb River system (Kara Sea, Arctic Ocean)4,248Transboundary river originating in the Mongolian Altai Mountains, flowing through China, Kazakhstan, and Russia before joining the Ob; its basin spans 1,643,000 km², vital for irrigation and hydropower in western Siberia.
IshimIrtysh River system (Ob basin, Kara Sea, Arctic Ocean)2,450Transboundary tributary rising in the Kazakh Uplands, flowing through Kazakhstan and into Russia's Tyumen and Omsk Oblasts; basin area of 177,000 km², with average discharge of 56.3 m³/s, influencing agriculture in the steppe regions.
KamaVolga River system (Caspian Sea)1,805Major left tributary of the Volga, rising in the Ural Mountains and draining a basin of 507,000 km²; accounts for about 60% of its flow from spring snowmelt, supporting extensive reservoir systems for power generation.
KolymaEast Siberian Sea (Arctic Ocean)2,129Rises in the Kolyma Mountains of northeastern Siberia, draining a permafrost-dominated basin of 653,000 km²; frozen for up to eight months annually, it plays a key role in sediment transport to the Arctic.
KubanSea of Azov (Black Sea)870Originates near Mount Elbrus in the Caucasus Mountains, flowing northwest through diverse terrains including steppes and wetlands; basin supports intensive agriculture and historical Cossack settlements along its banks.
LenaLaptev Sea (Arctic Ocean)4,400Eleventh-longest river globally, sourcing from mountains near Lake Baikal's western shore and traversing eastern Siberia; basin of 2,490,000 km² separates it from the Amur system, serving as a primary transport artery.
MezenWhite Sea (Arctic Ocean)966Flows from the Timan Ridge in European Russia's Arkhangelsk Oblast, with a basin of 78,000 km²; one of the largest rivers in the region, historically used for timber floating and supporting local fisheries.

N–S

The , a significant waterway in northern , measures 748 km in length and drains into Dvina Bay of the , serving as a key transport route through forests and marshlands. Its basin covers parts of and oblasts, supporting navigation for much of its course and linking to the broader drainage system (see Western Basins for details). The river forms at the of the Sukhona and Yug rivers, with a total system length exceeding 1,300 km when including headwaters. The Ob River, one of Russia's longest waterways at 3,680 km, originates in the Altai Mountains and flows northward through western Siberia into the Gulf of Ob in the Kara Sea, forming a vast basin of over 2.9 million km² that supports extensive economic activity including oil extraction and agriculture. As the seventh-longest river globally, it receives major tributaries like the Irtysh, contributing to its high discharge and role in Arctic inflows. The Oka River, the largest right-bank tributary of the Volga at 1,478 km long with a drainage area of 245,000 km², rises in the Central Russian Upland and joins the Volga near Nizhny Novgorod, flowing through densely populated regions that include Moscow on its tributary, the Moskva. This central Russian system facilitates vital navigation and hydropower, with key sub-tributaries such as the Klyazma (547 km) and Moksha (614 km) enhancing its connectivity to the Caspian basin (see Caspian Sea for Volga context). The Pechora River, spanning 1,809 km with a 322,000 km² basin, originates in the northern Ural Mountains and empties into the Barents Sea via a broad delta, ranking as the largest river by volume in northern Russia and supporting fisheries in the Komi Republic. Known locally in the Komi language as Печӧра, its name derives from ancient indigenous terms possibly meaning "forest dweller," reflecting the surrounding taiga environment. The river's course includes braided channels and is crucial for timber transport in the Arctic drainage (see Western Basins for Barents details). The , with a total length of 1,024 km transboundary with (Russian portion approximately 408 km) and a total basin of 447,060 km² shared with , flows into as its primary inflow, contributing about 50% of the lake's water and linking to the Yenisei system downstream. Originating from the , its Russian segment traverses , fostering biodiversity in the Baikal watershed before eventual Arctic drainage via the . The Sura River, a right-bank Volga measuring 841 km with a 67,500 km² catchment, originates in the Volga Upland in and joins the near Vasilsursk, characterized by a low-gradient flow that supports navigation for 394 km from its mouth. Flowing through and , it plays a role in central Russia's agricultural irrigation within the broader Caspian-oriented network (see for details).
RiverLength (km)Mouth/BasinKey Notes
Northern Dvina748 (Dvina Bay)Major northern European transport route; basin.
Ob3,680 ()Western Siberia's primary artery; high discharge from tributary.
Oka1,478 River (Caspian link)Central Russia's longest tributary; urban influence via Moskva.
Pechora1,809Ural-origin; vital for Komi fisheries and timber.
Selenga1,024 (total; ~408 in Russia) (Yenisei link)Dominant Baikal inflow; transboundary with .
Sura841 River (Caspian link)Low-flow tributary; supports regional agriculture.

T–Z

The rivers of Russia beginning with the letters T through Z encompass significant waterways primarily in the Siberian and Ural regions, draining into the Arctic Ocean, Caspian Sea, and Pacific Ocean basins. These include major tributaries and independent systems that support navigation, hydropower, and regional economies, with many originating from mountainous sources and exhibiting seasonal freezing periods.
RiverLength (km)Primary DrainageNotes
Tobol1,591Irtysh River (Ob River basin to Arctic Ocean)Rises in the Kazakh Uplands and flows northward through western Siberia; its basin covers 426,000 km², including about 62,000 km² of drainless (endorheic) land in the upper reaches. Frozen from late October to early May, with peak flow in spring due to snowmelt.
Tura1,030Tobol River (Ob River basin to Arctic Ocean)Originates in the Ural Mountains near Yekaterinburg and flows eastward across the West Siberian Plain; major tributary to the Tobol, with a basin area of 80,400 km² and average discharge of 202.7 m³/s. Supports industrial transport in the Tyumen region.
Ural2,428Caspian Sea (endorheic basin)Forms part of the traditional boundary between Europe and Asia; rises in the southern Ural Mountains and flows south through Russia and Kazakhstan, with a basin of 237,000 km². Navigable in lower sections, vital for oil industry in the region.
Vitim1,978Lena River (to Arctic Ocean)Flows northeast through eastern Siberia from the Stanovoy Range; basin spans 227,000 km², navigable up to Bodaybo for about 1,000 km. Key for gold mining and transportation in the remote Vitim Plateau area.
Yenisei3,487Kara Sea (Arctic Ocean)One of Russia's longest rivers, rising at the confluence of the Great and Little Yenisei in Tuva Republic and flowing north across central Siberia; basin covers 2,580,000 km², ranking seventh globally by area. The name derives from the Evenk term "Ioanesi," meaning "Great River." Supports major hydropower stations like Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam.
Zeya1,242Amur River (to Pacific Ocean)Northern tributary rising in the Stanovoy Range and flowing south through the Russian Far East; basin area of 233,000 km², fed mainly by rainfall (50-70%). Hosts the Zeya Hydroelectric Station (1,260 MW capacity, completed 1978), aiding regional power supply.

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