Among the current Ukrainian national volleyball team, middle blocker Svitlana Dorsman is the sole player who was alive when the nation first participated in the World Championship in Brazil in 1994. At the time of Ukraine`s debut in Belo Horizonte on October 21, 1994, Dorsman was merely nine months and ten days old.
Now 31, Dorsman stands as the oldest and most seasoned member of the Ukrainian squad, poised for their return to the World Championship, scheduled for Thailand between August 22 and September 7 this year.
Ukraine secured its spot in the 2025 World Championship as the sixth highest-ranked team not previously qualified. Their impressive ascent to 15th in the FIVB World Rankings has been significantly bolstered by the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program.
Since 2022, under an active Memorandum of Understanding, the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program has consistently supported the Ukrainian Volleyball Federation in sustaining its indoor and beach volleyball operations. For 2025, an additional $250,000 has been committed, elevating the combined investment from FIVB and Olympic Solidarity over the last three years to $901,724. This collaborative backing has fostered remarkable advancements in both disciplines.
Thanks to the Volleyball Empowerment initiative, Ukraine claimed victories in the CEV European Golden League in both 2023 and 2025, and progressed to the Round of 16 in the CEV European Championship under coach Ivan Petkov. The Bulgarian coach also steered Ukraine to a sixth-place finish in Pool A of the FIVB Road to Paris Volleyball Qualifier, narrowly missing qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Petkov concluded his tenure with Ukraine by guiding the team to a fifth-place finish in last year`s European Golden League.
Ukraine is set to arrive in Bangkok with considerable momentum, having recently secured the European Golden League title in June. This victory marks the first major achievement under their new Polish coach, Jakub Głuszak, who assumed leadership of the national team in January of this year.
Their triumph in the European Golden League propelled Ukraine to 15th in the FIVB World Rankings and guaranteed their participation in the 2026 Volleyball Nations League. As the highest-ranked team not competing in the 2025 VNL, Ukraine will make their debut in next year`s tournament, taking the place of relegated Korea.
Jakub Głuszak from Poland is the new Ukraine coach (Photo credits: CEV)
For the upcoming World Championship, Ukraine has been placed in Pool H, alongside formidable teams Japan, Serbia, and Cameroon. Their campaign commences on August 23 at the Huamark Indoor Stadium against reigning champions Serbia, followed by a match against world number five Japan on August 25, and concluding their group stage play against Cameroon on August 27.
Daria Sharhorodska, the setter recognized as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of this year`s European Golden League, is expected to be a pivotal asset for coach Głuszak in Thailand, as Ukraine embarks on only its second World Championship appearance.
Anna Artyshuk, playing as an opposite hitter, has proven to be a dependable offensive force and will undoubtedly be a primary choice for Głuszak`s lineup. Captain Krystyna Niemtseva will provide leadership and serve as the starting libero, crucial for both reception and floor defense.
Veteran middle blocker Dorsman, having rested during this year`s European Golden League, rejoins the team, bringing renewed energy. Collaborating with Diana Meliushkyna and Uliana Kotar, this trio is tasked with establishing a strong defensive presence at the net.
Outside hitters Yuliia Dymar and Oleksandra Milenko demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the summer. Coach Głuszak is optimistic they will maintain this strong performance in Bangkok as his journey with the Ukrainian team expands onto the global stage.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood