The performance of the Ukrainian national team at the 2026 Men’s Aquatics World Cup, Division 2 was not only sporting, but also a worthwhile event. The team demonstrated progress, character and a principled attitude in the face of war.

Despite the absence of key players, the Ukrainians gradually gained form. Already in the match against France, the team played on equal terms for a long time, and the victory over Canada became one of the main results of the tournament.

“The victory over Canada is confirmation that we are heading in the right direction,” – Oleksandr Svishchov, president of the Ukrainian Water Polo Federation, said.

An important factor in the development was the work of the international coaching staff. Croatian Nikica Gulin brought a modern tactical approach and psychological training.

“Success is 90 per cent down to mentality”. – Svischov emphasised.

However, the highlight of the tournament was Ukraine’s refusal to play against the Russians.

“We cannot shake hands with those whose country tries to destroy ours every day,” he said.

Svischev stressed that sport cannot be separated from the reality of war:
“There is no neutrality between aggressor and victim”.

In this context, even technical failure has a different meaning:
“The only failure we fear is moral failure before our own people”.

The federation’s president concluded:
“Today, Ukrainian sport is also a front. We choose loyalty to the country”.

The performance at the tournament showed that Ukraine is not only developing the team, but also creating a clear position in world sport – a position where principles are more important than results.