August 17 in #Russia: 1806 — The sloop "Neva," commanded by Yuri Lisyansky, dropped anchor at the Kronstadt raid, completing the first #Russian circumnavigation. 1808 — The Russo-Swedish War: the Battle of Alavo, a victory for the Swedes. 1812 - The Battle of Smolensk. 1812 - The First Battle of Polotsk. 1812 - Emperor Alexander I appointed Mikhail Kutuzov as the commander-in-chief of all Russian armies and militias.