The Ukrainian men's national volleyball team announced its squad for the second competitive week of the 2026 Nations League, which will take place in the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana. The big news is the return of star Oleh Plotnytskyi, who will once again be available to head coach Raul Lozano.
Tough schedule and a decisive clash with Bulgaria
The Ukrainians face an extremely busy schedule with four matches against some of the world's giants – Brazil, Italy, Canada, and Bulgaria. The match against the "Lions" will close the team's participation in Ljubljana and is scheduled for June 28 at 2:00 PM Bulgarian time.
For both teams, the match could prove crucial. Bulgaria and Ukraine are emerging as direct competitors in the fight for a place among the top eight, and Plotnytskyi's presence adds extra intrigue to the clash.
The return of the leader
Plotnytskyi, one of the leading players of the Italian giant Perugia and among the best outside hitters in the world, is once again donning the national jersey after a prolonged absence. He did not participate in the first Nations League tournament because he had problems renewing his new international passport – although we believe this was more of a pretext for the player to rest a little more. His return significantly raises the team's class and makes Ukraine an even more dangerous opponent in the battle for the final eight. His return significantly raises the team's class and makes Ukraine an even more dangerous opponent in the battle for the battle for the final eight.
Ukraine's squad (15 players)
Setters:Serhii Yevstratov (Levy, Czech Republic), Vitalii Shchitkov (Epicenter-Podolyany), Yurii Synytsia (Hebei, China)
Opposites:Oleksandr Boiko (Calabria Vibo Valentia, Italy), Vasyl Tupchii (Barkom-Kazhany / Arcada, Romania)
Outside Hitters:Oleh Plotnytskyi (Perugia, Italy), Illya Kovalov (Barkom-Kazhany), Dmytro Yanchuk (Panathinaikos, Greece), Oleksandr Nalozhnyi (Epicenter-Podolyany), Yevhenii Kysyliuk (Rapid București, Romania)
Middle Blockers:Maksym Drozd (Epicenter-Podolyany), Denys Veletskyi (Epicenter U20), Yurii Semeniuk (Projekt Warszawa, Poland), Vladyslav Shchurov (Barkom-Kazhany)
Liberos:Yaroslav Pampushko (Barkom-Kazhany)
What's next for Bulgaria
Gianlorenzo Blengini's team will be looking for maximum points against strong competition in Ljubljana. The final day of the tournament – June 28 – promises one of the most interesting matches for Bulgarian fans, when the national team will face Ukraine's squad, strengthened by Plotnytskyi.
photos: Nikolay Varadinov
