Aaron Trost Pickleball Ukraine Mission: Aaron Trost, a political consultant from Kansas City, traveled to Kyiv, Ukraine, in 2025 with a goal: to share the sport of pickleball with people affected by the war. Through his nonprofit, Pickleball Planter, he provided paddles, nets, and training to veterans and civilians, especially those permanently disabled. Partnering with the Ukrainian Pickleball Federation and a local sports camp, Trost helped bring joy, focus, and a mental escape to those living in a conflict zone.
Taking Pickleball to New Places
Aaron Trost founded Pickleball Planter in 2021 to introduce pickleball worldwide. Although he once played in a pro tournament against Zane Navratil and John Cincola, he said he quickly realized his role was not as a pro.
“My mission and purpose in pickleball is probably not going pro,”
Trost joked with Zane Navratil on the PicklePod podcast.
His travels have taken him to Honduras, Hungary, England, the Philippines, Poland, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and Hong Kong. He first visited Ukraine in 2023, near the Hungarian border. This time, in Kyiv, he worked with a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Youth Camp to add pickleball to their list of sports.
“In Kansas City, we have good barbecue, good football, and good rec pickleball. But that can only take me so far,”(Aaron Trost).
The Ukrainian Pickleball Federation joined the mission. It’s a nonprofit that supports new players, youth, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Trost’s goal was simple: introduce pickleball to people who had never played before. One of his main focuses was helping the 150,000 people disabled by the war with Russia.
“Pickleball is addictive in a good way. It allows your mind to focus on just pickleball. And some people need that break for a couple hours every day,” (Aaron Trost).
View this post on Instagram
Court Space Still a Big Problem
Finding space to play is a major issue in Ukraine. Most games happen in gyms or on old badminton courts. That’s not ideal, especially for adaptive athletes in wheelchairs.
“Finding court space is a big objective of the Ukrainian Pickleball Federation,”. “They have a vision of building a 20-court facility designed for adaptive athletics.”(Aaron Trost)
On his latest trip, Trost brought 200 paddles and many nets and gear. He hopes to return again soon to help more players.
“Ukraine has a special place in my heart with what they’re trying to do with wounded warriors and adaptive athletes,”(Aaron Trost).
Volodymyr Svirskyi, the president of the Ukrainian Pickleball Federation, also serves as a commander in Ukraine’s Mobile Fire Group. During the day, he helps grow the sport. At night, he defends his country.
Svirskyi is a fan of Zane Navratil’s once-famous “chainsaw serve,” which is now banned in professional pickleball.
“It’s not only allowed, it’s encouraged in Ukraine,” (Aaron Trost).
Why This Effort Matters
Aaron Trost’s work shows how sports like pickleball can support healing and bring people together—even in a war zone. By teaching a new sport, offering equipment, and creating joy, Trost and his partners are helping people recover and rebuild.
He plans to continue supporting adaptive athletes and promoting court building in Ukraine through Pickleball Planter.
News in Brief: Aaron Trost Pickleball Ukraine Mission
Aaron Trost, founder of Pickleball Planter, visited Kyiv, Ukraine, to teach pickleball to wounded soldiers and civilians. He worked with the Ukrainian Pickleball Federation and brought 200 paddles and gear. The effort aims to bring healing and support to those affected by war through sport and community.
ALSO READ: Game Changer: Global Pickleball Federation Unifies World Rankings With New DUPR Alliance