city, western Ukraine, near the Styr River, east of Lviv. The settlement has existed since at least the 12th century; in the 17th century it became the site of a heavily fortified castle. Its importance as a trade centre increased in the 19th century, as its location made it a transit point for goods passing between the Austrian and Russian empires. Industries today include the production of furniture, building materials, and food and beverages. An oil pipeline runs between Brody and the city of Odessa. Pop. (2005 est.) 23,511.