Ukrainian Football and International Politics

Abstract

Throughout the evolution of Ukrainian football within the global arena since Ukraine gained independence, three distinct phases emerge, each spanning about 11 years. Initially, there was a phase of post-soviet establishment, followed by a period characterized by stability and an assertive international presence. The most recent era, marked by war crises, could aptly be termed one of adaptive resilience. However, despite the challenges, Ukrainian football has been and remains an important part of the national culture and a way to unite people in the country. In the run-up to and during major tournaments, elite players of national teams, coaches, functionaries, commentators and, of course, politicians strive to use the participation of their team for international PR of their country. In the case of Ukraine, this has recently taken an aggravated form due to the war imposed on it, during which it pretends on worldwide moral support and material assistance. Football is used as one of the important means for this.