The Battle of Valutino (also called the battle of Lubino)[d] took place on 19 August 1812, between a corps of French and allied troops led by Marshal Ney, about 35,000 strong, and a strong rear-guard of General Barclay de Tolly's Russian army of about 25,000,[2] commanded by the general himself.

The Russians were strongly posted in marshy ground, protected by a small stream, about 20 kilometers east of Smolensk.

The French, attacking resolutely, captured the Russian position in the face of considerable physical obstacles.

[3][4] After a heavy bombardment, Ney launched an assault against the Russians, crossing the Stragan but failing to capture the crest.

[2][3] Napoleon was furious after the battle, realizing that another good chance to trap and destroy the Russian army had been lost.