The new season of the Ukrainian Premier League starts on August 23. The previous championship was interrupted at the beginning of the full-scale war, and thus the start of a new season is symbolic. Despite numerous obstacles, the UPL is returning.

While our soldiers bravely defend us on the front lines, the great football family in Ukraine is restoring official competitions. We want to make the football championship another symbol of unity among Ukrainians. We are one boldness! As long as we play, we are unbeatable!

"The revival of football during a full-scale war is not just about sports. It's a demonstration of our people's courage, unbreakable spirit, and Ukraine's desire for an inevitable victory over Russian occupiers in the war for independence. This is a unique initiative in world history - football against war in wartime, football for peace. I am convinced that football will give additional energy and strengthen society's faith in the ultimate success of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on all fronts and the complete liberation of Ukraine. The restoration of football will be one of the elements of this victory.

I thank President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky for his resolute support for holding the championship in Ukraine. I am grateful to Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine Vadym Gutzeit, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Police, the State Emergency Service, regional military administrations, UEFA, UPL, PFL, club leaderships for their joint productive work on implementing this project. Special thanks go to heroic Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers who bravely perform their duties!" - said President of the Ukrainian Football Association and UEFA Executive Committee member Andriy Pavelko.