Dynamo Kyiv is gearing up to embark on their UEFA Champions League campaign, symbolising more than just football in Ukraine.
The club has weathered the storm of war that has engulfed the nation since February 24, 2022. For the club, and indeed for all Ukrainians, everything changed that day.
Igor Burbas, a prominent Ukrainian sports journalist, states that Ukrainian football is a testament to resilience, a beacon of hope for a nation enduring unprecedented hardship.
As they embark on their European campaign against the Malta champions, Dynamo Kyiv carries the aspirations of a nation, seeking not only sporting success but also moments of unity and pride amid turmoil.
“Without a doubt, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League is a matter of great importance – not only for the team, but for the club and the country as a whole. It provides a valuable opportunity to secure significant financial support and bring uplifting emotions to Ukrainians during a time of war,” he told the Times of Malta.
The Ukrainian Premier League, persisting amidst martial law, has offered a little bit of normality. Dynamo Kyiv, a cornerstone of Ukrainian football, has navigated unprecedented challenges with unwavering resolve.
For example, during the 2024-25 season, their home matches, normally held at the Valeriy Lobanovskyi Stadium in Kyiv, were relocated to Hamburg, Germany, whenever they had UEFA Europa League fixtures due to the conflict’s logistical constraints.
In the 2025-26 season, the travelling won’t change, only the destination will do as Dynamo Kyiv will be hosting the Spartans at Poland’s Arena Lublin in the second leg, over 600km away from Ukraine’s capital city.
“One of the most pressing challenges has been the lack of recovery time due to travel. Instead of resting, players spend long hours on buses and trains.
Last season, one of the biggest logistical issues was the choice of home-game venues: with some matches played up to 1,600 kilometers from Kyiv, enormous amount of time was lost in transit,” Burbas explained.
Despite these tribulations, Dynamo Kyiv’s domestic league matches continue at home, albeit with adjustments.
Matches now take place in the early afternoon, scheduled around frequent power outages and the complexities of travel across Ukraine.
“The war has drastically reshaped Ukrainian football, and Dynamo Kyiv is no exception. The number of foreign players has dropped, and Dynamo Kyiv no longer has the same financial freedom to attract top talent. Salaries have declined by 30–50%, forcing a shift in priorities and recruitment strategies,” Burbas said.
“Both the clubs and the league have adapted. Each team independently decides whether to pause training during air raid alerts – the majority choose not to.
However, during official matches, a strict rule is in place: play must stop, and everyone must take shelter until the threat has passed. Only then can the match resume.”
According to Burbas, there is a trio of players who are pivotal to this current Dynamo Kyiv squad, coached by former Ukraine goalkeeper Oleksandr Shovkovskiy.
Vitaliy Buyalskyi, who orchestrates play from midfield, embodies the team’s tactical acumen.
Andriy Yarmolenko, a stalwart of Ukrainian football, provides leadership and experience, guiding the team through tumultuous times.
The 35-year-old has 46 goals in 125 Ukraine caps, and 157 goals for Dynamo Kyiv as he is seven matches away from his 400th appearance with the club.
Vladyslav Vanat, just 23, is their top scorer and attacking spearhead, with 46 goals in 98 matches for Dynamo Kyiv.
He was also part of the Ukraine U21 Team during this summer’s European Championship, scoring one goal as well.
Meanwhile, a recent addition to the club has been Ángel Torres.
Formerly of Balzan in Malta, Torres brings speed, skill, and a formidable goal-scoring record. In Malta, Torres scored 16 goals in 29 matches in the 2022-23 season.
“Dynamo had an interest in Ángel Torres a year ago while he was playing in Australia. However, the player was facing serious legal trouble at the time – he had been accused of rape, and his passport was confiscated, preventing any potential transfer,” Burbas said.
“In March, Torres was acquitted, clearing the way for his move to Kyiv. A pacey and skillful winger with strong dribbling ability, Torres is now seen as a potential boost to Dynamo’s attacking options.”
Ħamrun Spartans will face Dynamo Kyiv in the second qualifying round first leg, tomorrow at 7pm at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.
