Yelets or Elets (Russian: Елец) is a city in Lipetsk Oblast, Russia, situated on the Bystraya Sosna River, which is a tributary of the Don.

[11] In 1483, the Principality of Yelets was absorbed by the Grand Duchy of Moscow, while the local Rurikid rulers (last heard of in the 19th century) entered the service of Ivan III.

Handmade lace has been a notable product of the city since then; other important industries are grain milling and the manufacture of machinery.

The town's chief landmark is the vast Ascension Cathedral, built over the years 1845–1889 to a Neo-Muscovite design by Konstantin Thon.

[3] The city is connected to Moscow, Lipetsk, Oryol, and Rostov by rail and the M4 highway runs past it.