Kropyvnytskyi

Kropyvnytskyi is a city located in central Ukraine and is the administrative center of the Kirovohrad Oblast. Situated on the banks of the Syniukha River, it is a significant industrial, cultural, and educational hub. The city's history dates back to the mid-18th century when it was founded as a fortress named Yelizavethrad. Its strategic location played a crucial role in the defense of the Russian Empire's southern borders.

Over time, Yelizavethrad grew into a major trading center and later developed its industrial base, particularly in agriculture and machinery. In 1924, the city was renamed Kirovo, after the Soviet politician Sergei Kirov. In 1934, it was further renamed Kirovohrad. In 2016, Ukraine enacted decommunization laws, and the city was renamed Kropyvnytskyi, in honor of the prominent Ukrainian playwright and theater director Ivan Karpenko-Karyi, whose real name was Ivan Kropyvnytskyi.

Kropyvnytskyi boasts a rich cultural heritage, with several theaters, museums, and educational institutions. The Kropyvnytskyi Regional Museum of Local Lore and the Kirovohrad Regional Art Museum are notable cultural landmarks. The city is also home to Kropyvnytskyi State Pedagogical University and Kropyvnytskyi National Technical University. The economy of Kropyvnytskyi relies on industries such as mechanical engineering, food processing, and light industry. It serves as a vital transportation crossroads for the region, with a well-developed road and rail network.