Ukraine started strongly, taking the opening set 25-17, before China responded by winning the second set 25-21 to level the match.
Raúl Lozano’s side regained control midway through the third set and pulled ahead again with a 25-20 victory. The Ukrainians then closed out the match in the fourth set, winning 25-22 to seal a 3-1 triumph.
Opposite hitter Vasyl Tupchii led all scorers with 21 points.
Volleyball Nations League 2026, men’s tournament
Week 1, Linyi, China
China 1-3 Ukraine (17-25, 25-21, 20-25, 22-25)
Ukraine will return to action on June 12 against Cuba. The match is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. Kyiv time.
The victory comes after Ukraine opened its Nations League campaign with a straight-sets defeat to Japan.
A total of 18 national teams are competing in the 2026 men’s Volleyball Nations League. The top eight teams will advance to the playoffs, with host China guaranteed a place in the knockout stage.
Ukraine made its Nations League debut in 2025, finishing 10th and narrowly missing out on a playoff berth.
Ukraine’s women’s national team also began its 2026 Nations League campaign earlier this year, recording one victory in its opening four matches.