Two clubs promoted from the 1996-97 Ukrainian Second League.
When tied on points, the main tie-breaker was head-to-head games.
The tournament was conducted at almost empty stadiums.
The tournament was discontinued right after the second round when it became apparent that Krystal was not able to secure the third and the safe place to receive promotion.
The Georgian footballer George Magriani[2] (Podillya) became the top scorer of the tournament with three goals.