Bukovina Signs Former Paderborn Player and Learns UPL Schedule

Fedir Babak Joins Bukovina

According to Главком: Bukovina from Chernivtsi has secured a three-year contract with midfielder Fedir Babak, who previously played for German club Paderborn. Born in Kharkiv, Babak left Ukraine after Russia's full-scale invasion. His career includes stints with the youth teams of Slovan Bratislava and Paderborn. Last season, he played for Paderborn's reserve side in the Regionalliga, making 20 appearances but failing to register a goal or assist.

At his new club, Babak will wear the number 17 jersey. He is capable of playing both as a central midfielder and a center-forward, giving the coaching staff tactical flexibility. Babak also has two caps for Ukraine's U-19 national team, highlighting his international potential.

Ukrainian Premier League Calendar Revealed

The schedule for the 2026/27 Ukrainian Premier League (UPL) season has also been released. Defending champions Shakhtar Donetsk will begin their title defense with an away match against Kudrivka. The first round, tentatively set for August 1, features the following fixtures:

• Kryvbas vs. Karpaty
• Bukovina vs. LNZ
• Dynamo vs. Livyi Bereh
• Zorya vs. Kolos
• Kharkiv vs. Veres
• Kudrivka vs. Shakhtar
• Chornomorets vs. Polissia
• Epitsentr vs. Obolon

The classic derby between Shakhtar and Dynamo is scheduled for rounds 12 and 27, with the first match expected on November 7 and the second on May 15.

Additionally, a list of the best UPL coaches from 2008/09 to 2025/26 was unveiled. The UPL Coach of the Year award was first given after the 2008/09 campaign. Mircea Lucescu holds the record with seven awards, winning in 2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12, 2012/13, 2013/14, and 2020/21. Other honored coaches include:

• Serhiy Rebrov (2014/15, 2015/16)
• Paulo Fonseca (2016/17, 2018/19)
• Oleksandr Khatskevych (2017/18)
• Viktor Skrypnyk (2019/20)
• Patrick van Leeuwen (2022/23)
• Marino Pushić (2023/24)
• Ruslan Rotan (2024/25)
• Arda Turan (2025/26)

Notably, Kharkiv-based Metalist 1925 underwent a rebranding during the offseason and changed its name to Kharkiv. Meanwhile, Dynamo Kyiv defeated Chernihiv in the 2025/26 Ukrainian Cup final, with midfielder Buyalsky scoring a brace and winger Yarmolenko netting the third goal.

Fedir Babak's move to Bukovina represents an important step for both parties. The player has potential that could benefit the team, especially amid squad changes.

The start of the UPL season with the new schedule promises exciting matches that could significantly impact the title race. The inclusion of traditional derbies also adds intrigue, making the season even more thrilling for fans.

As Bukovina prepares for the upcoming season with new signings like Fedir Babak, they are not the only team making moves. In a similar vein, Bukovina has also secured loan agreements with LNZ, highlighting the club's strategy to strengthen its roster ahead of the UPL schedule. This proactive approach will be crucial as they aim to compete effectively in the league.