Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy’s Initiative: 600,000 hryvnias were raised for Ukrainian defenders at the “Heroes’ Cup” tournament

The “Heroes’ Cup” charity soccer tournament, dedicated to Defenders of Ukraine Day, was held in Lviv for the fourth time. The event was organized by FC “Ruh” in collaboration with its founder, businessman and philanthropist Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy.

This year, the tournament was not only a sporting event but also an opportunity for service members and veterans to meet with their comrades, recharge, and enjoy themselves.

The Fourth “Heroes’ Cup” Brought Together Military Personnel and Soccer Players

Six teams faced off on the soccer field:

• 7th Carpathian Border Guard Detachment,
• 6th Volyn Border Guard Detachment,
• the “Omega-West” special operations unit of the National Guard of Ukraine,
• Lviv Lyceum Named After the Heroes of Kruty,
• Ruh Media Team,
• Lviv Regional State Administration/Lviv Regional Council team.

Well-known Ukrainian soccer players – Mykola Morozuk, Mykhailo Kopolovets, Maksym Feshchuk, Valerii Fedorchuk, and Serhii Rybalko – also joined the tournament participants.

Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy emphasized that the main victory of the day was the opportunity to bring together military personnel, veterans, athletes, and civilians in support of Ukraine’s defenders. The “Heroes’ Cup” has been held for the fourth consecutive year. According to the founder of “Ruh,” the “yellow-and-blacks” plan to continue this tradition in the future.

“This is the fourth Heroes’ Cup we’ve organized – it’s truly gratifying that we’ve been able to make it a tradition to bring together people, the soldiers who defend us and our country. We honor and respect our defenders, especially those who are serving on the front lines right now. We do all this for them as well, and we’re always waiting for them to join us in continuing these battles,” noted Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy.

Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy: It’s important to support the military not only financially

The founder of FC “Ruh” emphasizes that charitable sporting events serve a dual purpose. They allow us to raise funds for the army’s needs, but at the same time give soldiers the opportunity to get a change of scenery – even if only briefly – to socialize with their comrades, and to boost their morale.

“FC Ruh always supports our military. Hosting charity tournaments and auctions is our way of raising funds for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The soldiers who participated in the tournament had the opportunity to relax and enjoy the game. We strive not only to provide financial assistance but also to bring people joy. Each of us must do everything possible to support our defenders,” emphasized Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy.

Special attention is given to service members undergoing treatment and rehabilitation

The “Heroes’ Cup” also welcomed service members and veterans who are currently undergoing treatment and rehabilitation for their injuries at the Lviv Military Medical Clinical Center of the State Border Guard Service and at a sanatorium in Nemirov.

For them, the tournament was an opportunity to meet up with their teammates, cheer on the teams, and spend time in a friendly atmosphere.

One of the military veterans emphasized that after combat missions, recovery requires not only physical but also psychological healing. “The 2026 Heroes’ Cup” became a space where they could talk, support one another, get to know each other, and have a good time together.” Moments like these are also part of the journey toward recovery after serving on the front lines.

Soccer for the Armed Forces of Ukraine: Funds Raised at an Auction for Two Units

A charity auction was a key part of the event. Among the items up for auction were an exclusive watch from the “Omega-West” special forces unit and an “Omega × Motif” embroidered shirt.

Thanks to donations from participants, guests, and benefactors during the “Heroes’ Cup 2026,” 600,000 hryvnias were raised. The funds will be used to support the “Shkval” Special Forces Unit of the 7th Carpathian Border Guard Detachment and the “Omega” special operations unit.

For FC “Ruh” and Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy, this is yet another example of how a sporting event can translate into tangible support for the military: “I hope that next year we’ll be able to do this on a much larger scale. And we can do more. By playing soccer today, we’re raising funds for the fourth year in a row and will continue our tradition of hosting the Heroes’ Cup. We’re immensely grateful to the people who protect us.”

Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy, together with FC “Ruh,” emphasizes that the “Heroes’ Cup” should become an annual tradition. After all, its purpose is not only to raise funds for the Armed Forces of Ukraine but also to create a space where soldiers can feel supported, meet their comrades, and take a break – even if only for a short time – from the daily grind of life on the front lines.

When military personnel, athletes, volunteers, and concerned citizens come together, the result is not only athletic victories but also tangible support for those who are defending Ukraine.