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

"Dynamo" (Chernivtsi) — national team — 3:3

In Chernivtsi, numerous spectators gathered at the "Bukovina" 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 Zachyopovskyy and Nechita, 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 football legend but also to see the prestigious trophy firsthand.

Photo by the press service of the AUF

On this day, Chernivtsi also joined a nationwide recruitment campaign for Special Operations Forces. At the branded location "SSO Recruitment", residents were presented with up-to-date information about serving in SSO. Visitors could see modern UAV models, protective gear and combat equipment used on the front lines, ask experienced recruiters any questions about service in SSO. The atmosphere was lively and full of interest; both young people and military personnel stopped by to learn more.

After the match, the national team visited the "SSO Recruitment" location as a group. They chatted with recruiters, reminisced about well-known SSO operations widely covered in media reports and carried out by Ukrainians. They also conveyed their best wishes to all military personnel on both frontlines and at home who are bringing us closer to victory, and took a memorable photo.

"Naftovyk" (Valley) — 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 Morozyuk, Volodymyr Lisenko, and Yurii Maksymov scored for the national team, while Igor Stepanishyn 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 stayed 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 notable personalities were remembered. Everyone agreed that the team should return to professional level and compete for major victories once again.

National team — tournament winner in Lviv region

The Western Ukrainian tour concluded with a football festival in Gorky, located in the Lviv region, where a tournament was held under the slogan "Football for Victory". The national team, veterans of Lviv's "Karpaty", and veterans from the Gorky area participated.

The atmosphere was special: before the game, warm words were spoken in support of our defenders. Also, a collection was announced to raise funds for new vehicles for military personnel. Players from the national team presented gifts to soldiers who returned from the front with injuries and are now adapting to civilian life.

Photo by the press service of the AUF

National team — "Karpaty" — 1:0

The main match of the tournament provided suspense until the final whistle. Volodymyr Lisenko's solitary and decisive goal was a true highlight of the game, securing victory for the national team.

National team — veterans from Gorky area — 2:1

The hosts came out on the field with great determination and wild support from the stands. Yet, even this did not stop Volodymyr Lisenko, who completed a brace. The Gorky veterans responded with a beautiful goal, earning loud applause from fans.

Photo by the press service of the AUF

"Karpaty" — veterans from Gorky area — 4:1

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

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.