Two-time 1500m world champion Tatyana Tomashova added the European crown to her collection, setting a new championship record in the process.
The Russians dominated the race from the gun, with their three athletes hitting the front in the early stages and setting a fast pace on the opening lap.
They were still at the head of the field with 300m to go at which point Yuliya Chizhenko kicked for home.
However, she couldn't get rid of Tomashova who came past her in the final straight to take gold in 3mins 56.91secs - a new personal best.
Chizhenko held on to win silver, although the other Russian, Yelena Soboleva, was beaten to the bronze by Bulgaria's Daniela Yordanova.
Briton Helen Clitheroe could not live with the early pace and was soon tailed off.
She was forced to run her own race and eventually finished 11th in 4.09.73.
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