Oleg Plotnitsky Returns to the Ukrainian National Volleyball Team

Oleg Plotnitsky, the former captain of the Ukrainian national volleyball team, has officially confirmed that he will resume his performances for the national team in 2026. This announcement was made by the athlete in a comment for the Italian sports publication Lega Pallavollo Serie A.

"This year I will return. Let's say... I said goodbye to the national team because it was easier for everyone. Every time I receive a call-up, I respond 'no', and then the news starts that Plotnitsky did not come again, and so on," Plotnitsky noted, emphasizing that his decision to return was the result of a prolonged internal struggle.

It is worth mentioning that Oleg Plotnitsky ended his career with the national team at the beginning of 2025. This decision came after a series of conflicts with the president of the Volleyball Federation of Ukraine, Mykhailo Melnyk, as well as due to missed matches in 2024. However, at the end of 2025, during a conversation with coach Raul Lozano, Plotnitsky merely hinted at the possibility of his return, but now he speaks about it with confidence.

The last time Plotnitsky played for the national team was in 2023, when he participated in all four major tournaments: the Golden European League, the Challenger Cup, the European Championship, and the Olympic qualifiers. His participation in these competitions highlighted his significance to the team, as well as his professional achievements on the international stage.

Currently, Oleg Plotnitsky plays for the Italian team Perugia, with which he has already won the Club World Championship, as well as reached the semifinals of the Champions League and the Italian Super League. In a match against Las Palmas, he was recognized as the Most Valuable Player, further confirming his high level of play and impact on the team.

In 2026, the Ukrainian national volleyball team will participate in the second season of the Nations League and will also compete in the European Championship, which will take place in September in Italy, Bulgaria, Finland, and Romania. These competitions will mark an important stage in Plotnitsky's career and for the entire team, as they strive to reach new heights on the international stage.

It is important to recall that earlier reports indicated that Russia had been allowed to participate in youth European volleyball tournaments under its own symbols, which sparked outrage among many sports organizations and fans.

Thus, Oleg Plotnitsky's return to the Ukrainian national volleyball team will be a significant event not only for him personally but also for the entire team, which hopes to benefit from his experience and professionalism in upcoming competitions.