Vitsyebsk, city in northeastern Belarus, capital of Vitsyebsk Oblast. Vitsyebsk is a port on the Daugava River and an important railroad junction and industrial center. Manufactures include machinery, construction materials, foodstuffs, and clothing. Vitsyebsk was founded in the 11th century and was the seat of an independent principality before control passed to Lithuania in 1320. It was taken by Poland in the 16th century and was annexed by Russia in 1772. From 1941 to 1944, during World War II, Vitsyebsk was occupied by German forces. Population (1996 estimate) 356,400.
