The Ukrainian men`s national volleyball team has rapidly transformed from a hopeful contender into a formidable force in the sport. As they gear up for the FIVB Men`s World Championship 2025 in Manila, Philippines (September 12-28), their sights are set beyond mere participation; they aspire to achieve victory.
This marks only Ukraine`s third World Championship appearance. However, the progress since their commendable 7th-place finish in 2022 has been truly remarkable.
Only three years prior, Ukraine was a team striving for recognition on the international stage. Now, ranked 14th worldwide, they are experiencing a golden age of swift development, strong ambition, and widespread national support.
Their path has been characterized by tenacity and swift advancement. After surprisingly reaching the quarterfinals in their second World Championship appearance in 2022, Ukraine continued its ascent with a silver medal in the 2023 European Golden League and a bronze in the FIVB Challenger Cup the same year. Their 2024 European Golden League gold medal secured them a spot in VNL 2025, qualifying as the highest-ranked team not yet confirmed. Their VNL debut was impressive, securing 10th place among 18 teams, notably defeating powerhouses like Japan and USA, and pushing eventual finalists Italy and Brazil to a full five sets.
Ukraine`s new strategic direction comes under the seasoned leadership of Raul Lucio Lozano, the renowned Italian coach who succeeded Latvian coach Uģis Krastiņš in 2024. Krastiņš is recognized for laying the groundwork of Ukraine`s revival during his tenure from 2017 to 2023.
Drawing on his impressive track record, which includes successes with major volleyball nations like Argentina and Poland, Lozano has further developed Krastiņš` foundation by instilling a winning mentality, tactical excellence, and renewed confidence in a team poised for greater achievements.
Lozano`s leadership yielded instant success. Ukraine`s triumph in the European Golden League marked a significant turning point, and their strong performance in VNL 2025 demonstrated to the global volleyball community that Ukraine had moved beyond development and was now ready to challenge the sport`s elite.
The narrative of Ukraine`s success is intrinsically linked to the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program. This initiative has consistently supported the Ukraine Volleyball Federation`s indoor and beach volleyball endeavors since 2022, operating under an ongoing Memorandum of Understanding that has provided a total of USD 670,000 in funding.
The FIVB`s strategic investment in Ukraine serves as an exemplary model for other countries. By integrating financial aid with targeted development, the program has cultivated an environment where athletic talent can flourish. This underscores the critical importance of investing not only in the athletes themselves but also in the support systems that foster their growth. For nations aspiring to elevate their national volleyball and beach volleyball programs, Ukraine`s experience provides insightful guidance.
Currently positioned 14th in the FIVB world rankings, Ukraine secured its qualification for this year`s World Championship as the fourth-highest ranked team yet to qualify, further solidifying their rising prominence in international volleyball.
Buoyed by a series of robust performances in VNL 2025 and reinforced by the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment Programme, Ukraine intends to establish itself firmly among the sport`s top nations in Manila.
Ukraine has been placed in Pool F, alongside reigning champions and world number 2 Italy, Algeria, and Belgium. Their campaign will commence against Belgium at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on September 14, followed by a match against Algeria on September 16, and concluding their pool stage against Italy on September 18.
Although Italy poses the most significant challenge on paper, Ukraine has a proven track record of outperforming expectations, as demonstrated in their recent VNL encounter with the reigning world champions. Considering their current form and squad depth, there are high hopes for them to either match or exceed their quarterfinal achievement from 2022.
Leading Ukraine`s World Championship squad is Yurii Semeniuk, the formidable middle blocker recognized for his powerful blocks and swift attacks, who was also named to the VNL 2025 Dream Team.
Outside hitter Dmytro Yanchuk had a standout performance in VNL 2025, offering both adaptability and offensive strength. He will be joined by Yevhenii Kisiliuk, who rejoins the national team after missing the VNL 2025.
Middle blocker Maksym Drozd also returns for the World Championship, forming a strong net defense alongside Valerii Todua and the imposing Semeniuk.
Vasyl Tupchii, the dynamic opposite, has established himself as a reliable scorer internationally, while libero Oleksandr Boiko provides crucial stability in reception and back-court defense. Vitalii Shchytkov is expected to continue as the primary setter as Ukraine aims for an even stronger performance in Manila.
Ukraine`s volleyball journey has progressed beyond mere development; it now signifies a clear declaration of ambition. The team has evolved rapidly and enters the World Championship 2025 with a singular goal: to solidify its position among the sport`s premier nations.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood