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As the Russian teams garnered success, Ukrainian clubs began to carve their niche in the competition. Dynamo Kyiv emerged as the premier club from Ukraine, eventually providing several players to the national team. Other notable Ukrainian teams, like Shakhtar Donetsk and Zorya, also left their mark on the league's history.
In addition to Ukraine’s burgeoning football scene, clubs from other former republics, including Lithuania, Georgia, and Armenia, also participated, with fan interest and government support often concentrated around capital city teams. This ensured a compelling mix of competition throughout the league’s history.