Expected participation in it were 23 teams divided into two groups based on territorial principles. However, after Zaporizhzhia "Metallurg" replaced "Minay" according to the regulations due to financial difficulties that led to Minay's withdrawal from competitions under the PFU banner, Group B will also feature 11 clubs.

Teams finishing first in their respective groups will earn direct promotion to the first league. Participants finishing third and fourth will play transitional matches against the 14th and 13th teams of the first division.

Overall, a fairly balanced composition has been put together. Although one can expect more intense competition for top positions in Group A, where "Sikla 1911" and "Kulikiv-Bilka" do not hide their ambitious plans.

The debutant — FC "Lesne" — should be taken seriously. Not only because the head coach is renowned specialist Oleksandr Ryabokon, who invited Vadim Melnyk and Oleg Tomashevsky to his coaching staff, both of whom once assisted him at "Desna." The company of national team players Dmytro Harmash and Serhiy Ribalca will be joined by newcomers with experience in the UPL — Igor Soldat from "Bukovyna" and Vladyslav Ogirya from "Dinaz." Additionally, Oleksandr Nosonov and Serhiy Shestakov will continue their careers, both of whom have played extensively in the elite division.

One can expect a breakthrough performance from Vinnytsia "Niva." A seasoned specialist Yuri Yaroshenko has been working with the team for three seasons now and had ample time to create a combat-ready collective. Moreover, the playing president-scorer Artyom Zagorulko remains in the lineup.

As for Group B, Khmelnytskyi "Kolos-2" has high chances of advancing in class after defeating elite "Epitsentr" 4:2 in one of their last friendlies.

However, do not expect a quick return to the first league from "Dinaz." Compared to last season, all key players have left the Vishhorod team, and young players who have come in need time to make a name for themselves.