Andrei of Polotsk - Duke of Pskov and Polotsk

Duke of Pskov and Polotsk

In 1342 Andrei joined his father Algirdas and uncle Kęstutis in a war against the Livonian Order to help the Pskov Republic. The Republic asked him to stay as a duke of Pskov so that his presence would guarantee continuous support from Algirdas. Andrei accepted and was baptized in Orthodox rite (his pagan name is unknown). However, he stayed there for a very short time and returned to Lithuania. Reasons are not entirely clear, but historians speculate it was related to death of his great-uncle Vainius, Duke of Polotsk. Polotsk was vital to Lithuanian interests as it was situated between Lithuania and the Livonian Order. Andrei became the Duke of Polotsk and helped defend Lithuania against Livonian attacks. In Pskov Andrei left his deputy, otherwise unknown Yuri. Lithuanian historian Alvydas Nikžentaitis speculates that this Yuri could have been grandson of Gediminas.

Yuri remained in Pskov until 1348. That year Teutonic Knights organized a large attack against Lithuania (see Battle of Strėva). Pskov army was helping Novgorod against Sweden when Livonian Order attacked Pskovian fortress at Izborsk. Yuri died in the attack. Because Lithuanians were unable to help defending Pskov, the city refused to accept another deputy from the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Andrei responded with repressions: all merchants from Pskov were arrested and their goods confiscated. Friendly relationship between Pskov and Lithuania was terminated. Andrei remained as Duke of Polotsk for the next three decades.