The city originated in the 18th century as the family manor of Counts
Bobrinsky, who industrialized it towards the end of the 19th century. The city, under the name of
Bobriki () was officially established in 1930 and continued to develop as a
coal (lignite) mining center throughout the Soviet period. In 1933, it was renamed
Stalinogorsk (). During
World War II, the city was occupied by the
German Army from November 22, 1941 to December 11, 1941. In 1961, it was given its present name. The city was awarded the
Order of the Red Banner of Labor on January 14, 1971. ==Administrative and municipal status==