Khmelnytskyi

Khmelnytskyi emerged in the 15th century on the banks of the Southern Buh as a small fortified settlement located along an important trade route through Podillia. The first written reference dates to 1430. Over the centuries, the settlement was known as Ploskyriv and later Proskuriv, while its growth was driven by trade, crafts, and its convenient position between the towns of the region.

In the 17th century, the town became connected with major events of the Ukrainian national liberation struggle led by Bohdan Khmelnytskyi. After the partitions of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth at the end of the 18th century, Proskuriv became part of the Russian Empire and gradually developed into a significant commercial and administrative center. The arrival of the railway in the 19th century accelerated population growth, trade, and urban development.

The 20th century brought revolutions, wars, occupation, and major social and economic changes. In 1954, Proskuriv was renamed Khmelnytskyi in honor of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, and the city later became the administrative center of Khmelnytskyi Oblast. Since Ukraine regained independence, Khmelnytskyi has continued to grow as an important industrial, educational, commercial, and cultural center of Podillia.