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Hrodna or Grodno is a city in Belarus. It is located on the Neman River, close to the borders of Poland and Lithuania (about 20 km and 30 km away respectively). It is the capital of Hrodna voblast (province) and Hrodna raion (district).

It has 325,164 inhabitants (2008 estimate). The city has one of the largest concentrations of Roman Catholics in Belarus. It is also a center of Polish culture, with the considerable number of Poles living in Belarus, residing in the city and its surroundings. All the while, the Eastern Orthodox population is also widely present here.

Minsk is the capital and largest city in Belarus, situated on the Svislach and Niamiha rivers. Minsk is also a headquarters of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). As the national capital, Minsk has a special administrative status in Belarus and is also the administrative centre of Minsk voblast (province) and Minsk raion (district).

It has a population of 1,837,000 inhabitants (2009).

Minsk is located on the southeastern slope of the Minsk Hills, a region of rolling hills running from the southwest (upper reaches of the river Nioman) to the northeast – that is, to the Lukomskaye lake in northwestern Belarus.

Minsk is located in the area of mixed forests typical for most of Belarus. Pinewood and mixed forests are still present at the edge of the city, especially in the north and east. Some of the forests were transformed into parks (for instance, the Chelyuskinites Park) as the city grew.

Minsk has a warm summer humid continental climate, owing to its location between the strong influence of the moist air of the Atlantic Ocean and the dry air of the Eurasian landmass. Its weather is, however, unstable and tends to change often. The average January temperature is −6.1 °C (21 °F), while the average July temperature is 17.8 °C (64.0 °F).

Riga is the capital and largest city of Latvia. With 658,640 inhabitants (2012), Riga is the largest city of the Baltic states and home to more than one third of Latvia`s population. The city is an important seaport and a major industrial, commercial, cultural and financial centre of the Baltic Sea region. The city lies on the Gulf of Riga, at the mouth of the river Daugava. Riga`s territory covers 307.17 km2 (118.60 sq mi) and lies between 1 and 10 metres (3.3 and 33 ft) above sea level, on a flat and sandy plain.

Riga was founded in 1201 and is a former Hanseatic League member. Riga`s historical centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, noted for its Art Nouveau/Jugendstil architecture and 19th century wooden architecture. The city will be the European Capital of Culture in 2014, along with Umea in Sweden. Riga is served by Riga International Airport, the largest airport in the Baltic states.

Riga is a member of Eurocities, the Union of the Baltic Cities (UBC) and Union of Capitals of the European Union (UCEU).

Riga administrative divisions consists of six administrative entities: Central, Kurzeme and Northern Districts and the Latgale, Vidzeme and Zemgale Suburbs.

The climate of Riga is humid continental . The coldest months are January and February. The proximity of the sea causes frequent autumn rains and fogs. Continuous snow cover may last eighty days. The summers in Riga are warm and humid.

Riga is one of the key economic and financial centers of the Baltic States. Biggest exporters are in wood products, IT, food and beverage manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, transport and metallurgy. Riga Port is one of the largest in the Baltics. It handled a record 34 million tonns of cargo in 2011 and has potential for future growth with new port developments on Krievu Sala. Tourism is also a large industry in Riga and after a slowdown during the recent global economic recessions, grew 22% in 2011 alone.

Chişinău (Romanian pronunciation or Kishinev (before 1991) is the capital and largest municipality of Moldova. It is also its main industrial and commercial centre and is located in the middle of the country, on the river Bîc. The population of the city is 592,900 (2007).

Chişinău is the most economically prosperous locality in Moldova, and its largest transportation hub. As the most economically and socially important municipality in Moldova, the city has a broad range of educational facilities.

Chişinău is located on the river Bîc, a tributary of the Dniester.

The city lies in central Moldova and is surrounded by a relatively level landscape with very fertile ground.

Chişinău has a continental climate, characterized by hot dry summers and windy winters. Winter temperatures are often below 0 °C (32 °F), although they rarely drop below −10 °C (14 °F). In summer, the average temperature is approximately 25 °C (77 °F), however, temperatures sometimes reach 35 to 40 °C (95 to 104 °F) in mid-summer in the city centre. Although average precipitation and humidity during summer is low, there are infrequent yet heavy storms. Spring and autumn temperatures vary between 16 to 24 °C (61 to 75 °F), and precipitation during this time tends to be lower than in summer but with more frequent yet milder periods of rain.

Kiev is the largest city of Ukraine, located in the north central part of the country on the Dnieper River. Kiev is an important industrial, scientific, educational and cultural centre of Eastern Europe. It is home to many high-tech industries, higher education institutions and world-famous historical landmarks. The city has an extensive infrastructure and highly developed system of public transport, including the Kiev Metro.

As of April 2007, official municipal estimates placed the population of Kiev at about 2.7 million inhabitants, although some much higher unofficial estimates are often published.

Geographically, Kiev belongs to the Polesia ecological zone (a part of the European mixed woods). Kiev is located on both sides of the Dnieper River, which flows south through the city towards the Black Sea.

Kiev has a continental humid climate. The warmest months are June, July, and August, with mean temperatures of 13.8 to 24.8 °C (56.9 to 76.7 °F). The coldest are December, January, and February, with mean temperatures of −4.6 to -1.1 °C (23.7 to 30.0 °F).

Belgorod is a city and the administrative center of Belgorod Oblast, Russia, located on the Seversky Donets River just 40 kilometers (25 mi) north of the Ukrainian border.

Population: 356,402 (2010 Census); 337,030 (2002 Census); 300,408 (1989 Census).

Belgorod is the administrative center of the oblast. Within the framework of administrative divisions, it is incorporated as the city of oblast significance of Belgorod—an administrative unit with the status equal to that of the districts. As a municipal division, the city of oblast significance of Belgorod is incorporated as Belgorod Urban Okrug.

Belgorod`s climate is humid continental featuring cold winters, warm summers and moderate precipitation.

Krasnodar is a city and the administrative center of Krasnodar Krai, Russia, located on the Kuban River about 148 kilometers (92 mi) northeast of the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk.

Population: 744,995 (2010 Census)

It was founded on January 12, 1794 as Yekaterinodar. The original name meant "Catherine`s Gift" simultaneously in recognition of Catherine the Great`s grant of land in the Kuban region to the Black Sea Cossacks (later the Kuban Cossacks) and in recognition of Saint Catherine, the Martyr, who is considered to be the patron of the city. After the October Revolution, Yekaterinodar was renamed Krasnodar (December 1920). There is meaning for the new communist name of the city: Krasno- meaning `red` (especially relevant considering the political atmosphere of the time); and -dar - meaning `gift`. Thus, the city`s name means red gift (i.e. `gift of the reds`).

Krasnodar is the economic center of southern Russia. For several years, Forbes magazine named Krasnodar the best city for business in Russia. In the industrial sector of the city has more than 130 large and medium-sized enterprises.

Like with many other major cities in Russia, the primary mode of local transportation in Krasnodar is automobile, though efforts have been made to increase the availability of alternative modes of transportation, including the construction of light rail lines (projected), biking paths, and wide sidewalks. Public transportation within Krasnodar consists of city buses, trolleybuses, trams, and marshrutkas (routed taxis). Trolleybuses and trams, both powered by overhead electric wires, are the main form of transportation in Krasnodar. Krasnodar does not have a metro system.

The main airline is Kuban Airlines (at Krasnodar International Airport). Krasnodar uses a 220 V/50 Hz power supply with two round-pin outlets, like most European countries.

The oldest part of the city is Old Downtown Krasnodar, which consists of many historic buildings, several from the 19th century. Buildings have been preserved, restored or reconstructed, and the district is now a substantial tourist attraction.

Winters are cold and damp, with unstable snow cover. The average temperature in January, the area`s coldest month, is 32 °F (0 °C). Weather conditions in winter vary greatly. Temperatures can exceed 68 °F (20 °C) for a few days, but temperatures below −4 °F (−20 °C) are not uncommon for Krasnodar as the city is not protected by mountains from cold waves. Summers are typically hot with a July average of 75.2 °F (24.0 °C).

The city receives 28.26 inches (718 mm) of precipitation annually, fairly spread throughout the year. Extreme storms are rare in the Krasnodar area. Extreme temperatures have ranged from -27.2 to 104 °F (-33 to 40 °C), recorded on January 11, 1940 and July 30, 2000, respectively.

Moscow is the capital and the most populous city and the most populous federal subject of Russia. Moscow is a major political, economic, cultural, religious, financial, educational, and transportation center of Russia and the world, a global city. It is also the seventh largest city proper in the world, a megacity.

The population of Moscow (as of 1 September 2009) is 10,535,100.

It is located by the Moskva River in the Central Federal District, in the European part of Russia. Moscow sits on the junction of three geological platforms. Historically, it was the capital of the former Soviet Union, Russian Empire, Tsardom of Russia and the Grand Duchy of Moscow. It is the site of the Moscow Kremlin, one of the World Heritage Sites in the city, which serves as the residence of the President of Russia. The Russian parliament (the State Duma and the Federation Council) and the Government of Russia also sit in Moscow.

Moscow is a major economic centre. It is home to many scientific and educational institutions, as well as numerous sport facilities. It possesses a complex transport system that includes four international airports, nine railroad terminals, and the world`s second busiest (after Tokyo) metro system, which is famous for its architecture and artwork. Its metro is the busiest single-operator subway in the world.

Novosibirsk is the third most populous city in Russia after Moscow and Saint Petersburg and the most populous city of Asian Russia, with a population of 1,473,737 (2010 Census preliminary results). It is the administrative center of Novosibirsk Oblast as well as of Siberian Federal District. The city is located in the south-western part of Siberia at the banks of the Ob River and occupies an area of 477.2 square kilometers (184.2 sq mi).

The city stands on the banks of the Ob River in the West Siberian Plain. To the south of the city lies the Ukok Plateau, which forms part of the Golden Mountains of Altai.

The climate is humid continental, with warm summers and severely cold winters. Snow is frequent, falling on almost half of winter days, but individual snowfalls are usually light.

Travelers coming from countries with mild climates may find winter in Novosibirsk tough, but it will not be extraordinary for those from northern countries. At times, bitter cold may hold for some days and lower do not occur every year. In the springtime, streets and roads become dirty as a result of mud and melting snow, while the weather is still cold.

Novosibirsk is the third-largest city in Russia (after Moscow and St. Petersburg) and the first in Siberia in which a metro system was established (the Novosibirsk Metro, opened in 1985). The city is served by Novosibirsk Tolmachevo Airport with regular flights to Europe and Asia as well as to other Russian cities.

Novosibirsk is a large industrial center. The industrial complex consists of 214 large and average industrial enterprises. These produce more than two thirds of all industrial output of the Novosibirsk region. Leading industries are the electric power industry, gas supply, water supply, metallurgy, metal working, and mechanical engineering.

Pskov is an ancient city located in the north-west of Russia about 20 kilometers (12 mi) east from the Estonian border, on the Velikaya River.

The city of Pskov serves as the administrative center of Pskov Oblast.

Population: 202,780 (2002 Census).

Rostov-on-Don is the city and the administrative center of Rostov Oblast and the Southern Federal District of Russia, located on the Don River, just 46 km from the Sea of Azov.

Population: 1,068,267 (2002 Census).

The Don River that the city is named for is a major shipping lane connecting southwestern Russia with regions to the north, and Rostov-on-Don is an important river port in both passenger-oriented and industrial shipping.

Sevastopol is a city on rights of administrative division of Ukraine, located on the Black Sea coast of the Crimea peninsula. It has a population of 342,451 (2001). Sevastopol is the second largest port in Ukraine, after the Port of Odessa.

The unique geographic location and navigation conditions of the city`s harbours make Sevastopol a strategically important naval point. It is also a popular seaside resort and tourist destination, mainly for visitors from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. The city, formerly the home of the Russian then Soviet Black Sea Fleet, is now home to a Ukrainian naval base and a Russian naval base in facilities leased by the Russian Navy.

City enjoys one of the warmest climates in Ukraine, with mild winters and moderate warm summers. Sevastopol has a humid subtropical climate.

Saint Petersburg is a city of Russia located on the Neva River at the head of the Gulf of Finland on the Baltic Sea. The city`s other names were Petrograd (1914–1924) and Leningrad (1924–1991). Founded by Tsar Peter I of Russia on 27 May, 1703, it was the capital of the Russian Empire for more than two hundred years (1713–1728, 1732–1918). It is Russia`s second largest and Europe`s third largest city after Moscow and London.

The city has 4.6 million inhabitants, and over 6 million people live in its vicinity.

Saint Petersburg is a major European cultural centre, and an important Russian port on the Baltic Sea. Saint Petersburg is often described as the most Western city of Russia. Among cities of the world with over one million people, Saint Petersburg is the northernmost. The Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Russia`s political and cultural centre for 200 years, the city is sometimes referred by Russians as the northern capital. A large number of foreign consulates, international corporations, banks and other businesses are located in Saint Petersburg.

Saint Petersburg experiences a humid continental climate of the cool summer subtype, due to the distinct moderating influence of the Baltic Sea cyclons. With cool, humid and short summers and long, cold winters, the city is just short of having a subarctic climate. The average daily temperature in July is 22 °C (72 °F); summer maximum is about 34 °C (93 °F), winter minimum is about −35 °C (−31 °F). The record low temperature is −35.9 °C (−33 °F), recorded in 1883. The average annual temperature is +5.4 °C (42 °F).

Cherkasy is a city in central Ukraine. It is the capital of the Cherkasy Oblast (province), as well as the administrative center of the surrounding Cherkasky Raion (district) within the oblast. The city itself is also designated as its own separate raion within the oblast.

The city is cultural, educational and industrial center of Cherkasy Oblast and Central Economical Region of Ukraine. Cherkasy is famous since 13th century and played a great role in history of Ukraine. Cherkasy was the center of Cossacks, citizens took part in Khmelnychchyna and Koliyivschyna (cossacks and peasants rebellions).

The city is located on the right bank of Dnieper River (specifically at the Kremenchuk Reservoir), about 200 km (124 mi) south of the nation`s capital, Kiev. The city is divided into 2 parts (raions) - Sosnivskiy (with Orshanets village) and Pridniprovskiy. The current population of Cherkasy is 285,526 (as of 2010).

Cherkasy is situated on the high right bank of the Dnipro River, exactly - in the middle of Kremenchuk Reservoir. Relief of the historical part of the city was influenced by Zamkova (Castle) mountain, where Cherkasy Fortress was situated. Still, the major part of Cherkasy is located in lowlands.

The city area as of 2010 is 69 km², it is 17 kilometers long and just 8 km width. From the North-West Cherkasy is surrounded by forest - Cherkaskiy Bir (Cherkassy Forest), which is the biggest (28,500 hectares) natural pine forest in Ukraine. Climate of Cherkasy is mild continental with mild winters and warm (last time - hot) summers.

Average temperature in the city - +7,7 °C. Winters are usually cold and snowy (average January temperature - -5,9 °C), but last winters are rather warm with rare severe frosts (up to -25 °C). Summers are dry and warm (average temperature in July - +19,8 °C), with occasional jumps of temperature up to +35 °C.

Chernivtsi is a city in western Ukraine, situated on the upper course of the River Prut. Chernivtsi is the administrative center of Chernivtsi Oblast (province) - the northern, Ukrainian part of the historical Moldavian region of Bukovina.

At the time of the 2001 Ukrainian Census, the population of the city was 240,600.

Together with the city of Lviv, Chernivtsi is viewed at present to be a cultural center of western Ukraine. The city is also considered one of modern Ukraine`s greatest cultural, educational and architectural centers. The city is also a major point of railway and highway crossings in the region, and houses an international airport.

Chernivtsi is located in the historic region of Bukovina, which is currently shared between Romania (south) and Ukraine (north). The city lies 248 meters above sea level, and is surrounded by forests and fields. The River Prut runs through the city`s landscape.

According to the latest All-Ukrainian population census in 2001, the population of Chernivtsi was approximately 240,600 people of 65 nationalities. Among them, 189,000 (79.8%) are Ukrainians; 26,700 (11.3%) Russians; 10,500 (4.4%) Romanians; 3,800 (1.6%) Moldovans; 1,400 (0.6%) Polish; 1,300 (0.6%) Jews; 2,900 (1.2%) other nationalities.

Dniepropetrovsk or Dnepropetrovsk is Ukraine`s third largest city with 1.1 million inhabitants. It is located southeast of Ukraine`s capital Kiev on the Dnieper River, in the south-central region of the country. Dniepropetrovsk is the administrative center of the Dniepropetrovsk Oblast (province).

Within the Dniepropetrovsk Metropolitan area there are 1,860,000 people (2001) A vital industrial center of Ukraine, Dniepropetrovsk was one of the key centers of the nuclear, arms, and space industries of the former Soviet Union. In particular, it is home to Yuzhmash, a major space and ballistic missile designer and manufacturer. Because of its military industry, the city was a closed city until the 1990s.

Dniepropetrovsk has a highly-developed public transportation system, including the Dniepropetrovsk Metro, which consists of one metro line with a total of 6 stations. The city is built mainly upon the banks of the Dnieper river, in the loop of a major meander where the river changes its course from the north west to continue southerly and later south-westerly through Ukraine, ultimately reaching Kherson where it discharges into the Black Sea. This location always provided significant opportunities for the advancement of agriculture, mainly thanks to the natural irrigation provided by the river and the resulting fertile soils.

During the summer, Dniepropetrovsk is very warm (average day temperature in July is +24 to +27 °C (75 to 81 °F)), and in the winter, it is cold (average day temperature in January is −3 to +4 °C (+27 to +39 °F).

The best time for visiting the city is in late spring — second part of April and May, and early in autumn: September, October, when the city`s trees turn yellow. Long periods of rain are normal in autumn. Other times are mainly dry with a few showers.

The climate is a mixture of temperate and continental climates and sometimes in the winter it is very cold and snowy (sometimes dropping down to −10 to −15 °C), and in summer, the city is not very hot (up to +29 to +30 °C).

Donetsk is a large city in eastern Ukraine on the Kalmius river. Administratively, it is a center of Donetsk Oblast, while historically, it is the unofficial capital and largest city of the economic and cultural Donets Basin (Donbass) region.

Donetsk currently has a population of over 988,000 inhabitants (2007) and has a metropolitan area of over 1,566,000 inhabitants (2004). It is the fifth-largest city in Ukraine.

Donetsk lies in the steppe landscape of Ukraine, surrounded by scattered woodland, hills (slag heaps), rivers, and lakes. The northern outskirts of the city are mainly used for agriculture. The Azov Sea, 95 km south of Donetsk, is a popular recreational area for those living in Donetsk. A wide belt of farmlands surrounds the city.

Donetsk`s climate is moderate continental. The average temperatures are −5 °C (23 °F) in January and +18 °C (66 °F) in June. The average number of rainfall per year totals 162 days and up to 556 millimeters per year.

Illichevsk is a port city in the Odessa Oblast (province) of south-western Ukraine. The city is designated as its own separate raion (district) within the oblast.

Ilichevsk is situated on the coast of the Black Sea, just 12 miles (20 km) west from Odessa. It is an independent city within Odessa Oblast.

Kharkov is the second largest city in Ukraine. It was the first capital of Soviet Ukraine, now the administrative center of the Kharkov Oblast (province), as well as the administrative centre of the surrounding Kharkovskyi Raion (district) within the oblast.

As of 2006, its population is 1,461,300.

Kharkov is located in the northeastern region of Ukraine. Historically, Kharkov lies in the Sloboda Ukraine region (Slobozhanshchyna also known as Slobidshchyna), in which it is considered the main city. The city rests at the confluence of the Kharkov, Lopan, and Udy Rivers, where they flow into the Northern Donets watershed.

Kharkov`s climate is moderate continental: cold and snowy winters, and hot summers. The seasonal average temperatures are not too cold in winter, not too hot in summer (-6.9 °C in January, and 20.3 °C in July). The average rainfall totals 513 millimeters per year, with the most in June and July.

Kherson is a city in southern Ukraine. It is the administrative center of the Kherson Oblast (province), and is designated as its own separate raion (district) within the oblast. Kherson is an important port on the Black Sea and Dnieper River, and the home of a major ship-building industry.

The current estimated population is 329,000 (as of 2007).

Khmelnytskyi is a city in western part of Ukraine, the administrative center for the Khmelnytskyi Oblast (region) and the Khmelnytskyi Raion (district). Khmelnytskyi is located in the historic region of Podolia on the banks of the Buh River. The city received its current local government designation in 1941.

In 2015, the city`s population was 267,973, making it the second largest city of the former, archaic Podolia region after Vinnytsia and the largest city of the western part of the region.

The city foundation date is uncertain. The territory, where Khmelnytskyi is situated, has been inhabited for a very long time. Many archaeological discoveries have been discovered in the city suburbs.

The first mention of the city was written with Cyrillic alphabet. From 1431 it was known as Ploskirov and was part of the Kingdom of Poland. It was a royal city. After the Second Partition of Poland in 1793, the city was annexed by the Russian Empire and was renamed Proskurov. According to the Russian census of 1897, Proskurov with a population of 22,855 was the fifth largest city of Podolia after Kamianets-Podilskyi, Uman, Vinnytsia and Balta. In 1920 it became part of Soviet Ukraine. In 1954 the city was finally renamed Khmelnytskyi in the honor of the 300th anniversary of a treaty negotiated by Bohdan Khmelnytsky.

Kiev is the largest city of Ukraine, located in the north central part of the country on the Dnieper River. Kiev is an important industrial, scientific, educational and cultural centre of Eastern Europe. It is home to many high-tech industries, higher education institutions and world-famous historical landmarks. The city has an extensive infrastructure and highly developed system of public transport, including the Kiev Metro.

As of April 2007, official municipal estimates placed the population of Kiev at about 2.7 million inhabitants, although some much higher unofficial estimates are often published.

Geographically, Kiev belongs to the Polesia ecological zone (a part of the European mixed woods). Kiev is located on both sides of the Dnieper River, which flows south through the city towards the Black Sea.

Kiev has a continental humid climate. The warmest months are June, July, and August, with mean temperatures of 13.8 to 24.8 °C (56.9 to 76.7 °F). The coldest are December, January, and February, with mean temperatures of −4.6 to -1.1 °C (23.7 to 30.0 °F).

Kremenchuk an important industrial city in central Ukraine, stands on the banks of the Dnieper River. Kremenchuk is the administrative center of the Kremenchuk Raion (district) in Poltava Oblast (province). Kremenchuk is administratively incorporated as a city of oblast significance administered by its own city council and does not belong to the raion.

Population: 223,805. Along with its city-satellites Svitlovodsk and Horishni Plavni, it creates an important urban agglomeration and transportation hub.

Although not as big as some other oblast centers and cities of regional significance, Kremenchuk carries importance of a large industrial center in Ukraine and Eastern Europe as the base of the KrAZ truck plant, Kremenchuk Oil Refinery of Ukrtatnafta, the Kryukiv Railway Car Building Works, and nearly located (Svitlovodsk) Kremenchuk HES. Over the dam of the hydro-electric power plant stretches one of river crossing over Dnieper (Highway M22). Originally established on the left bank, Kremenchuk eventually incorporated a city of Kryukiv on the right bank. The Kryukiv Railway Car Building Works is one of the oldest railway repair and rail-car building factories in Eastern Europe, dates back to 1869.

Krivoy Rog is a city in central Ukraine.

It is situated in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, to the southwest of the oblast`s administrative center, Dnipropetrovsk, at the confluence of the Inhulets and Saksahan rivers.

Lugansk is a city in southeastern Ukraine.

It is the administrative center of the Lugansk Oblast (province). The city itself is also designated as its own separate municipality within the oblast, and is part of the Donbass region.

The current estimated population is around 445,900 (as of 2004).

Lvov is a city in western Ukraine. The city is regarded as one of the main cultural centers of today`s Ukraine and historically had also been a major Polish and Jewish cultural center; as Poles and Jews comprised a demographic majority of the city for a period leading up to the outbreak of World War II, the Holocaust, and Polish population transfers (1944–1946) that followed. The historical heart of Lvov with its old buildings and cobblestone roads has survived World War II and ensuing Soviet presence largely unscathed. The city has many industries and institutions of higher education such as the Lvov University and the Lvov Polytechnic. Lvov is also a home to many world-class cultural institutions, including a philharmonic orchestra and the famous Lvov Theatre of Opera and Ballet. The historic city center is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the city remained a part of the now independent Ukraine, for which it currently serves as the administrative center of Lvov Oblast, and is designated as its own rajon (district) within that oblast.

Lvov`s climate is humid continental with cold winters and mild summers.

Mariupol, formerly known as Zhdanov, is a port city in southeastern Ukraine.

As of October 1, 2008, the city population stood at 494,587 people. For the last century the population has grown almost 12 times. The city is populated by Ukrainians, Russians, Greeks, Belarusians, Armenians, Jews and representatives of other nationalities.

The main language is Russian. There is a large number of Greek-speaking people but the city is predominantly Russian-speaking.

It is located on the coast of the Azov Sea, at the mouth of the Kalmius River. Mariupol is the largest city in Priazovye - a geographical region around Azov Sea, divided by Russia and Ukraine - and is also a popular sea resort. Administratively, the city is located in the Donetsk oblast and historically formed a part of the broader Donbas region.

There is a moderate-continental climate with recurring droughts and dry winds in the summer and thawing weather, fogs - in the winter. Average temperature of air in January +41.4°F ( 5.2 °C), in July +82.4°F (+ 28 °C).

Melitopol is a city in the Zaporozhia Oblast of the southeastern Ukraine.

The estimated population as of 2007 is around 158,700.

It is situated on the Molochna River that flows through the eastern edge of the city and into the Molochnyi Liman, which eventually joins the Sea of Azov. The city was formerly named Kyzyl-Yar until 1816, and Novoalexandrovka until 1842. Serving as the administrative center of the Melitopolskyi Raion, the city itself is directly subordinate to the oblast center.

Generally, the Russian language is spoken in the city.

Nikolaev is a major city in southern Ukraine.

There are several variations of the city`s name.

The city is located 65 kilometers (40 mi) from the Black Sea along the estuary of the Southern Buh river.

Nikolaev is the administrative center of the Nikolaev Oblast (province).

Today Nikolaev is a major shipbuilding center of Ukraine (as, earlier, of the whole Soviet Union) and an important riverport. The city has three major shipyards one of which is capable of building large navy ships. Other important industries are mechanical engineering, power engineering, metallurgy and cosmetics.

Odessa is the administrative center of the Odessa Oblast (province) located in southern Ukraine. The city is a major seaport located on the shore of the Black Sea and the fourth largest city in Ukraine.

Population of Odessa is 1,029,000 (as of the 2001 census).

Odessa is situated on terraced hills overlooking a small harbor, approximately 31 km (19 mi.) north of the estuary of the Dniester river and some 443 km (275 mi) south of the Ukrainian capital Kiev.

The city has a mild and dry climate with average temperatures in January of -2 °C (29 °F), and July of 22 °C (72 °F). It averages only 350 mm (14 in) of precipitation annually.

The primary language spoken is Russian, with Ukrainian being less common despite its being an official language in Ukraine. The city is a mix of many nationalities and ethnic groups, including Ukrainians, Russians, Greeks, Jews, Moldovans, Bulgarians, Armenians, Turks, Georgians, Germans, Koreans, and many others.

Poltava a city in central Ukraine.

It is the administrative center of the Poltava Oblast (province), as well as the administrative center of the surrounding Poltavskyi Raion (district) within the oblast. The city itself is also designated as its own separate raion within the oblast.

The current estimated population is 313,400 (as of 2004).

Rovno is a historic city in western Ukraine.

The current estimated population is around 249,900 (as of 2004).

It is the administrative center of the Rovno Oblast (province), as well as the administrative center of the surrounding Rovnensky Raion (district) within the oblast. The city itself is also designated as its own separate raion within the oblast.

Rovno is an important transportation hub, with the international Rovno Airport, and rail links to Zdolbunov, Sarny and Kovel, as well as highways linking it with Brest, Kiev and Lvov.

Shostka is a town in Sumy Oblast in north-east of Ukraine.

The population is 85,800 (2004).

The town lies on the river Shostka, a tributary of Desna, from which it gets its name. Shostka is an important centre of industry; in chemicals and in dairy: Shostka City Milk Plant was recently acquired by Fromageries Bel.

Sumy is a city on the Psel River in Ukraine, and the capital of the Sumy Oblast.

As of 2004, the city`s population is 283,700. It is served by Sumy Airport.

Sumy was founded in 1652 at the bank of the Psel River (a left tributary of the Dnieper) as a Cossack fortress.

The majority of residents are Christians - Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholics and Protestants (Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists etc.). Also represented are the Jehovah`s Witnesses movement, Judaism, Islam and Buddhism.

Uman is a city located in the Cherkasy Oblast (province) in central Ukraine, to the east of Vinnytsia. Located in the historical region of the eastern Podillia, the city rests on the banks of the Umanka River, and serves as the self-governing administrative center of the Uman Raion (district).

Among Ukrainians, Uman is known for its depiction of the haidamak rebellions in Taras Shevchenko`s longest of poems. The city is also a pilgrimage site for Hasidic Jews (Hasidic Judaism) and a major center of gardening research containing the dendrological park Sofiyivka and the University of Gardening.

Uman (Human) was a private-owned city of Poland and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

Vinnitsa is a city located on the banks of the Southern Buh River, in central Ukraine. It is the administrative center of the Vinnitsa Oblast (province), as well as the administrative center of the surrounding Vinnitskyi Raion (district) within the oblast.

The current estimated population is 350,400.

Vinnitsa is located about 260 km (160 mi) from the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, 429 km (267 mi) from the port city Odessa, and 369 km (229 mi) from Lvov.

A long lasting warm summer with a sufficient quantity of moisture and a comparatively short winter is characteristic of Vinnitsa. The average temperature in January is -5.8 °C and 18.3 °C in July.

Zaporozhye is a city in south-central Ukraine, which rests on the banks of the Dnieper River.

It is currently the sixth largest city in Ukraine and has a current estimated population of 790,000 (as of 2007).

It is the administrative center of the Zaporozhye Oblast (province), as well as the administrative center of the surrounding Zaporozkyi Raion (district) within the oblast. The city itself is directly subordinate to the oblast, and is located approximately 70 km (43 mi) south of the city of Dniepropetrovsk.

Zaporozhye was formerly referred to as Aleksandrovsk, after the commander of the first Russian Army, Prince Alexander Golitsyn, but was renamed in 1921 to Zaporozhye.

Zhytomir is a historic city in the North of the western half of Ukraine. It is the administrative center of the Zhytomir Oblast (province), as well as the administrative center of the surrounding Zhytomir Rayon (district). Note that the city of Zhytomir is not a part of the Zhytomir rayon: the city itself is designated as its own separate rayon within the oblast; moreover Zhytomir consists of two so-called "rayons in a city": the Bohunsky rayon and the Korolyovsky rayon (named in honor of Sergey Korolyov).

The current estimated population is 277,900 (as of 2005).

Zhytomir lies in a unique natural setting; all sides of the city are surrounded by ancient forests through which flow the Teteriv, Kamyanka, Yaroshenka and Putiatynka rivers. The Teteriv river bounds Zhytomir at the south (though, precisely speaking, there are also some small areas of Zhytomir city territory at the southern bank of the river). The city is rich in parks and public squares.