The news thatvolleyweek.bglaunched earlier today was confirmed regarding the nationality of "Lokomotiv Avia's" new recruit. Ukraine's national team setter Dmytro Dolgopolov is the latest new addition to "Lokomotiv Avia's" squad. The experienced playmaker was instrumental in his national team's performance, which reached the semi-finals of the "Challenge Cup," securing a spot in next year's VNL due to their rise in the world rankings. An injury before the semi-final against Belgium prevented him from playing, and Ukraine lost 2:3 sets, thus missing the opportunity to play in the final against China. Dolgopolov was one of the few experienced Ukrainian players who did not give up defending their national jersey and, with his experience, helped secure a quota among the strongest teams on the planet next year.

The 31-year-old Dolgopolov has experience in several countries such as Poland, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Italy, and others, but from the new season, he will play for "Lokomotiv Avia." At this stage, he is the first foreigner in the team for the new season.

The club's policy of combining experience and youth is complemented by Anton Stanchev, who remains with the team for the new season. The 21-year-old setter will be relied upon to further develop his potential, now side-by-side with an experienced playmaker.

With Dolgopolov, the other new names at this stage are Todor Valchev (outside hitter), Julien Georgiev (opposite), Valentin Peychev (libero), and Kristian Kirov (opposite).