The rank of lieutenant in Eastern Europe, also called poruchnick in Slavic languages,[a] is one used in Slavophone armed forces. Depending on the country, it is either the lowest or second lowest officer rank.
The rank designation poruchik might be derived from Russian: поpученец (a person tasked by a special mission); Russian: поручение (assignment, commission) or Russian: поручить (task to look after, charge with something). Normally the poruchik received military orders in written form and was responsible to meet the particular goals and objectives anticipated.