Concentration is a challenge for Ukraine in the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship, as players also worry about their home. For team captain Yurii Semeniuk, he finds strength with his family.
There are approximately 9,000 kilometers between the Philippines and Ukraine. Manila is five hours ahead of Kyiv.
And yet, home is still very much in the mind of team captain Yurii Semeniuk and the rest of the Ukrainian men's national volleyball team who are competing in the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship.
It can't be helped, as the conflict brought about by Russia has been going on for over three years now.
It has made concentrating for the world's biggest volleyball tournament quite a challenge.
"It's a difficult situation. Every time, the team thinks about the situation in my country. Of course, it's difficult sometimes," Semeniuk told One Sports on Tuesday.
After suffering a loss to Belgium in Pool F, Ukraine finally got a win—a sweep against Algeria, 25-17, 25-12, 25-11.
[ALSO READ: Ukraine sweeps Algeria to earn first win at FIVB Men’s World Championship]
Semeniuk, the 2025 VNL Best Blocker, made 11 points from seven attacks, three blocks, and an ace, along with two digs.
"When you try to concentrate, you only think about the game. It's difficult because some friends or family try to help Ukraine and stay in the army. Every time, you think about the situation in Ukraine," the middle blocker admitted.
Still, the World No. 16 squad tries to forge ahead. After their first appearance in the Volleyball Nations League where they finished ninth, Ukraine will compete in the World Championship for just the third time, following a tenth-place finish in 1998 and a seventh-place finish in 2022.
Ukraine is now third in Pool F with a 1-1 record. But they have quite a challenge in their final pool play on Thursday, as they take on defending champion Italy.
But their hearts will always be yearning for peace at home.
"Of course, we support and try to help every time. I hope this year we will finish this situation. Maybe this year," Semeniuk said.
As for himself, the middle blocker finds his concentration by keeping touch with his roots.
"Before the game or after the game," Semeniuk shared. "Before the game, I only want to call my family or my wife. I call, I speak with my son, with my family about the situation."
"If the situation is calm, then I'm calm. And I try to concentrate more. But it's a war, it's difficult," he noted.
"I hope this war will finish."
@onesportsphl “IT’S DIFFICULT. I HOPE THIS WAR [WILL] FINISH.” Ukrainian team captain Yurii Semeniuk acknowledges the challenging circumstances back home but says they remain committed to supporting their country in any way possible—while continuing to give their all on the volleyball court. | via Katrina Alba/One Sports #MWCH2025 #Philippines2025 #OSOnTheSpot
? original sound - OneSportsPHL
[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE, RESULTS | 32 teams compete in 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship]
Katrina Alba is a sports journalist and producer, notably with SportsCenter Philippines before taking on her current role at One Sports.
She primarily writes about basketball and volleyball, with experience covering the SEA Games, Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. Outside of work, her hobbies include running, swimming, pickleball, yoga, arnis, and krav maga.