The national veterans team visited three cities in Western Ukraine — Chernivtsi, Valley, and Grodek. The tour took place within the framework of a nationwide initiative to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces and presented enthusiastic fans with bright football matches.

«Dynamo» (Chernivtsi) — Ukraine national team — 3:3

In Chernivtsi, numerous spectators gathered at the «Bukovyna» stadium to watch a friendly match celebrating the 32nd anniversary of the local «Dynamo». Emotions ran high as goals were scored one after another. For the national team, Volodymyr Lisenko scored twice and Mykola Yischenko added another goal. Chernivtsi players scored through Zachyposky and Nechitaylo, with Igor Zaytsev equalizing in the final minute of play.

Photo by the press service of the AUF

A real surprise for the audience was the arrival of Igor Belanov — winner of the «Golden Ball». Chernivtsi residents had a unique opportunity not only to meet with a legend of world football but also to see the prestigious trophy in person.

Photo by the press service of the AUF

Also on this day, Chernivtsi joined a nationwide recruitment campaign for Special Operations Forces. At the branded «SSO Recruitment» location, residents were presented with current information about serving in SSO. Visitors could see modern examples of UAVs, protective gear, and combat ammunition used at the front lines, ask experienced recruiters any questions about service in SSO, and view exhibits. The atmosphere was lively and full of interest, attracting both young people and military personnel as well as ordinary fans.

After the match ended, the national team players visited the «SSO Recruitment» location en masse. They chatted with recruiters, recalled some of the most famous SSO operations widely covered in the media and carried out by Ukrainians, and expressed their best wishes to all military personnel on both the front lines and at home who are bringing us closer to victory.

«Naftovyk» (Valley) — Ukraine national team — 1:3

The next stop was Valley, in Ivano-Frankivsk region, where the match was dedicated to the 70th anniversary of «Naftovyk».

Fans on the stands were looking forward to a bright game and they got it. Mykola Morozuk, Volodymyr Lisenko, and Yurii Maksymov scored for the national team, while Igor Stefanyshyn netted for «Naftovyk».

Photo by the press service of the AUF

A distinguished guest at the match was legendary Ukrainian coach Myron Markevych. Due to health issues, Myron Bohdanovych remained on the bench and closely observed the players' actions, many of whom had previously played under his guidance.

Photo by the press service of the AUF

The post-match program continued at a cultural palace, where veterans and current players of «Naftovyk» were honored. The club's glorious history and prominent figures were recalled, and everyone agreed that the team should return to professional level and compete for notable victories once again.

Ukraine national team — tournament winner in Lviv region

The western Ukrainian tour concluded with a football festival in Grodek, in the Lviv region, where a tournament was held under the slogan «Football for Victory». The teams participating were the national team of Ukraine, veterans from Lviv's «Karpaty», and veterans from the Grodek region.

The atmosphere was special: before the game, warm words in support of our defenders were heard. It was also announced that funds would be collected to purchase new vehicles for military personnel. Players from the national team presented gifts to soldiers who returned from the front with injuries and are now undergoing adaptation to civilian life.

Photo by the press service of the AUF

Ukraine national team — «Karpaty» — 1:0

The main match of the tournament presented intrigue until the final whistle. The decisive goal by Volodymyr Lisenko was a true highlight and brought victory to the national team.

Ukraine national team — veterans from Grodek region — 2:1

The hosts came out onto the field with great determination and wild support from the stands. Even this did not stop Volodymyr Lisenko, who completed a brace. The Grodek players responded with a beautiful goal, earning loud applause from fans.

Photo by the press service of the AUF

«Karpaty» — veterans from Grodek region — 4:1

A real sensation was the appearance in attack of Andriy Tlumak, known as a goalkeeper. His transformation ended with a hat-trick and a convincing victory for Lviv.

After the matches, football stars gladly chatted with fans. Myron Markevych, Yurii Maksymov, Yurii Pankiv, Viacheslav Sviderskyi, Andriy Polunin, Eduard Tsykhmeystruk and others answered football questions and shared memories.

Photo by the press service of the AUF

The tour of Ukraine's national veterans team was organized by TOV «Agrobusiness» and the Sobuts'ky family charitable foundation in support of the Ukrainian Football Association.