Crossword Genius

Its journey being through Russian city, one van avoiding periphery (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

neva

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'its journey being' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I cannot judge whether it can be defined by this definition.

'russian city one van avoiding periphery' is the wordplay.
'NEVA' is hidden in amongst the letters.
But, I am uncertain how the hidden word is indicated.

'through' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for neva that I've seen before include "runner in St Petersburg" , "Woman" , "St Petersburg river" , "distant river" , "banker in Russia" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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