Ukrainian Federation of Military-Technology Sports and SET University Join Forces: Cybersecurity Recognized as an Official Sport in Ukraine

July 28, 2025 – Kyiv

The Ukrainian Federation of Military-Technology Sports and SET University have signed a memorandum of strategic cooperation aimed at developing cybersecurity through educational programs, Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions, and training Ukrainian athletes for international tournaments. This partnership creates new opportunities for youth, strengthens the country’s cyber resilience, and establishes a new sporting culture in the digital domain.

“Military-technology sports are not about the future – they’re about the present. Ukraine is the first country in the world to officially recognize CTF as a sports discipline. We’re already building a national system for training cyber athletes. The Federation, together with state and technical partners, is creating a new cyber resilience infrastructure – through sports, education, and real-world challenges,” said Artur Bulyhin, President of the Ukrainian Federation of Military-Technology Sports.

Iryna Volnytska, President of SET University, has joined the Federation Committee and will contribute to the strategic development of national cybersecurity initiatives:

“Ukraine already has strong potential in the field of cyber defense. We see our mission as helping young people unlock this potential and bringing Ukrainian professionals to the global stage. Cooperation with the Federation is another important step toward building a strong cybersecurity sector in the country.”

Cybersecurity as a Strategic Sport

In 2025, Capture The Flag (CTF) within the framework of military-technology sports was officially recognized as a sport in Ukraine by order No. 1105 of the Ministry of Youth and Sports dated February 21, 2025. Ukraine became the first country globally to recognize CTF competitions at the national level. This reflects the strategic importance of cybersecurity as a component of public policy, professional training, and digital resilience.

A Global First: Regional CTF Qualifiers Held

On July 26–27, 2025, the first official regional CTF competitions took place in Ukraine as part of the national championship selection process. Regional championships were held in Vinnytsia, Rivne, and Mykolaiv oblasts, laying the foundation for a new tradition in digital security sports.

The competitions were hosted at the Unit Range national cyber training ground, with technical support from Cyber Unit Technologies. Participants tackled challenges in categories such as Web, Crypto, Reverse, PWN, OSINT, and Forensics, including a special custom challenge by Cyber Lab.

Top teams from each oblast were selected:

• Vinnytsia region: 1st – Samurai, 2nd – Cyber Support, 3rd – RCE Ninjas

• Rivne region: 1st – 0xRivne, 2nd – NUWM, 3rd – 404TEAM

• Mykolaiv region: 1st – BARRACUDA, 2nd – Ghost in the Shellcode, 3rd – 0xMK UA

These teams will represent their regions in the national finals of the Cybersecurity Championship of Ukraine in September 2025.

CYBER UNIT UNITED – A Milestone Open Tournament

Running in parallel on July 26–27, the CYBER UNIT UNITED open tournament was officially recognized as part of the national selection process. The event was organized by Cyber Unit Technologies and the Institute for Cyber Warfare Research (ICWR).

Results:

• 1st place – dcua

• 2nd place – ByteMe

• 3rd place – dttua

Additional teams qualified for the finals: DNAcademy, Gongo, Exploit, Snufkink, XYZ.NXT, 0xSum, LocalHost.

“These competitions are not just the first step toward the national finals – they’re a historic event. It’s the first time regional CTF qualifiers have been held globally as part of an officially recognized sport. The National Cyber Sports Committee of the Federation coordinated the organization and strategic planning,” said Vitalii Lavrov, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine for Digital Transformation.
“Thanks to the regional administrations of Vinnytsia, Rivne, and Mykolaiv for leading this initiative, and to all our partners for supporting the development of this new sport.”

Capture The Flag – A Starting Point for the National Team

Winners of the regional qualifiers will compete in the national finals. The champions will form the core of the Ukrainian national team that will take part in the European Cybersecurity Challenge 2025 in Poland. Finalists will also receive scholarships for the cybersecurity master’s program at SET University.

A national training base will be established in partnership with SET University and key institutions to provide technical, educational, and mentorship support.

“Cyber threats are reshaping the world. That’s why we believe CTF is a new kind of strategic sport. Together with SET University and our partners, the Federation is building a sporting culture based on fair competition, teamwork, and real challenges – preparing the next generation,” said Yevhen Vladimirov, Head of the Federation’s National Cyber Sports Committee.

Strategy: Education – Practice – Career

Under the partnership between the Federation and SET University, the following is planned:
• development of educational programs based on real-world military and technical experience;
• involvement of practitioners in teaching;
• clear career pathways for future cybersecurity professionals in Ukraine and abroad.

To support the structured development of a new sport, the Military-Technical Sports Federation of Ukraine is already preparing for the upcoming season. Students, IT professionals, military personnel, civil servants, and anyone interested in testing their skills will be able to take part in the regional stages of the 2026 Ukrainian Cybersecurity Championship (CTF).