Avanhard

Avanhard is a settlement located in Avangard municipality within Odesa Oblast and serves as a western suburb of Odesa. The town combines residential neighborhoods with green spaces spread across the southeastern Ukrainian landscape.

The settlement was established in 1995 and underwent a significant administrative transition in 2024 when it changed from an urban-type settlement to rural status. This shift reflected broader changes in how settlements are classified within the region.

The settlement's name comes from the Ukrainian word for avant-garde, reflecting the sports societies that were active during the Soviet era. This heritage remains visible in how residents talk about their community's identity and its connection to that period.

The settlement has direct connections to Odesa via the Novodepovska railway station and regional road networks, making it easy to reach the larger city. Keep in mind that local facilities are designed mainly for residents rather than visitors passing through.

The settlement serves as the administrative center for the Avanhard settlement hromada, combining a regional governance role with the everyday life of a smaller community. This dual function makes it an interesting example of how local administration is organized in modern Ukraine.