[4] Yaropolk was the son of Iziaslav I of Kiev (d. 1078), and Gertruda, daughter of the Polish monarch Mieszko II Lambert (died 1034).

[6] The Polish ruler did at least gain the Red Ruthenia very briefly, though that was recovered for Kievan Rus' by Yaroslav and Mstislav Vladimirovich, the prince of Chernigov, in 1031.

[6] In 1054, Yaropolk became the son of the grand prince, as in that year Iziaslav ascended the throne of Kiev.

In 1068, Iziaslav's alleged negligence to the advances and incursions of the Cuman people (Polovtsy) after the defeat at the Battle of the Alta River led the citizens of Kiev to revolt; Vseslav was released, and took the Kievan throne while Iziaslav fled to Bolesław in Poland.

[10] Pope Gregory addressed a letter to Iziaslav, called "Demetrius", "King of the Russians", and to his "queen" Gertruda.

Grand Prince Iziaslav and Yaropolk, as well as Vsevolod's son Vladimir Monomakh, were able to reverse this result, and Oleg was forced to retreat to Tmutorokan.

[13] After his uncle Vsevolod had become the grand prince, Yaropolk was given Vladimir-in-Volhynia and Turov, while Monomakh received Chernigov.

[16] Lacking confidence in his own resources, Yaropolk fled Volhynia to Poland, leaving his followers (and mother) at Lutsk.

[17] Vladimir captured Lutsk and Yaropolk's family, attendants and treasure, and assigned his whole principality to Davyd Igorevich.

[20] His murderer was a man called Neradets, who put a sword through Yaropolk before fleeing to hide with Rurik in Peremyshl; the date given is 22 November.

[21] Yaropolk is said to have married to the German noblewoman, Kunigunde, daughter of Otto, Margrave of Meissen.

The Annalista Saxo records another daughter, and that she married Günther, Count of Schwarzburg, though it does not mention her name.