The rank of lieutenant in Eastern Europe (Croatian: poručnik, Czech: poručík, Polish: porucznik, Russian: poruchik, Serbian: poručnik, Slovak: poručík) 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.
Russian imperial armed forces
Lieutenant insignia used by the Imperial Russian Army.