Relegation Confirmed: Lviv's Rukh Drops to Second Division After Loss to Polissya

What Lies Ahead for Lviv Rukh in the 2025/26 Season

According to Главком: Lviv Rukh will compete in the Ukrainian Second League next season. The club finished the current Ukrainian Premier League (UPL) campaign in 14th place, following a 0-2 defeat to Zhytomyr's Polissya in the final round. As a result, Rukh will not participate in the promotion-relegation playoffs.

Club president Hryhoriy Kozlovsky confirmed that 42 players born between 2007 and 2009 will remain with the team, and six players born in 2010 will also be integrated into the squad. Kozlovsky stated:

“We are keeping a professional squad that will play in the Second League. These two groups will form the core that will allow the U-19 team to become champions next season-that is my hope. We will do everything possible to achieve this.” - Hryhoriy Kozlovsky

Success for Cherkasy LNZ and Dynamo Kyiv

Meanwhile, Cherkasy LNZ secured the silver medals in the Premier League. In the final round, the team earned a narrow victory over Kyiv's Obolon, with the only goal scored by midfielder Mykytyshyn. Additionally, Dynamo Kyiv defeated Chernihiv in the 2025/26 Ukrainian Cup final, where midfielder Buyalsky scored twice and winger Yarmolenko added a third goal.

Lviv Rukh's relegation from the UPL marks a critical juncture for the club, as it now aims to rebuild and regain its standing in the Second League. Kozlovsky's focus on developing a young roster suggests a long-term strategy to strengthen the team's performance and competitiveness in the future.

The achievements of Cherkasy LNZ and Dynamo Kyiv also highlight the competitive landscape of Ukrainian football, where clubs continue to vie for top honors and recognition.

Following Rukh's disappointing defeat, the implications of their relegation extend beyond just the loss. The recent match against Polissya not only sealed their fate in the UPL but also showcased the fierce competition within the league. For a deeper analysis of how Polissya's performance influenced the final standings, check out our detailed report on the match here.