city, northern Ukraine, lying along the Shostka River. It became the site of a gunpowder mill in 1739, but not until Soviet times did it become a considerable settlement, being incorporated in 1924. Its varied industries have included food processing and the manufacture of photographic materials, veneers, building materials, and chemicals. The city also has technical colleges and a music school. Pop. (2001) 87,130; (2005 est.) 83,981.