The Ukrainian Cup is held according to the play-off (knockout) system. Draw defines pairs in each round as well as matches hosts. Pursuant to regulations results of the round are driven by a one match game. If normal time ends in draw, extra time and then penalty kicks are awarded. The following matches were carried out in two (home and away) phases: stages from 1/64 to semi-finals in 1997/98–1998/99, from 1/16 to semi-finals in 1992/93–1994/95, from 1/8 to semi-finals in the 1992 season, Last 8 and semi-finals in 1996/97, 2002/03–2004/05 and 2006/07–2007/08 seasons, and only semi-finals in 2004/05. Since 2014/15 teams have been playing two matches starting from the round of last 16.
The 2001/02 season was unique, because the tournament consisted of five preliminary and four qualification phases. All round matches, but for the final, were carried out in accordance with the 2 (home and away) matches scheme. At present the Ukrainian Cup consists of 7 stages: 2 preliminary, 3 regular, the semi-final and the final. The tournament begins from two preliminary stages in July. The 1st and the 2nd Leagues teams as well as the Amateur Cup finalists take part in it. At the final 1/16 stage the Premier League clubs enter the contest. Usually the Ukrainian Cup final coincides with the end of the championship and is held in May. The tournament winner obtains a ticket to the Europa League. However, if a team has already qualified for the Champions League, then this right relating to European club tournaments goes to a top Premier League team not qualified for European club competitions. The Ukrainian Cup winner also gets a possibility to struggle for the Super Cup before the next season start.
Trophy
The Ukrainian Cup winner may keep a trophy received till the next season final. The current Cup trophy is the second in the history of the tournament. The first one had been used till 2002.
