Loess stratigraphy provides the best existing means of establishing an accurate geochronology for the Palaeolithic of the Russian Plain, especially for time periods beyond the range of radiocarbon dating. Loess/palaeosol sequences in adjoining regions, particularly central Europe where correlation with oxygen-isotope stratigraphy has been achieved, represent a useful standard for the correlation and dating of loess deposits on the Russian Plain. However, better control is needed over local palaeoenvironmental conditions and colluvial redeposition. Correlation is facilitated by two key marker horizons: buried soils of the Last Interglacial (127, 000-116,000 BP) and the terminal Middle Pleniglacial (30,000-25,000 BP); assignment of palaeosols and loess beds between these markers to time-stratigraphic units in the Upper Pleistocene sequence is sometimes problematic. Palaeolithic remains on the Russian Plain are typically contained in colluvial loam, but can often be related to primary loess stratigraphy. Analysis of the latter suggests sharp contrasts with western and central Europe in the timing and distribution of Palaeolithic settlement, apparently reflecting the harsher environments of the Russian Plain.