Ukrposhta's unconventional stamp designs, featuring humor and bold gestures, serve as a unique symbol of resistance and morale amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Ukrainian War Stamps: A Bold Blend of Humor, Patriotism, and Defiance
Ukrainian War Stamps: A Bold Blend of Humor, Patriotism, and Defiance
Ukraine’s postal company pushes boundaries with stamps that capture wartime spirit and resonate globally.
The head of Ukraine's postal service, Ukrposhta, is unapologetically breaking traditional postal norms. Their most iconic stamp controversially depicts a soldier extending a rude gesture directed at a Russian warship, symbolizing an unforgettable moment from the first day of the full-scale invasion nearly three years ago. In a bold act of defiance, Ukrainian forces rejected a Russian demand for surrender using colorful language. Just two days after the stamp's debut, the cruiser Moskva was sunk by Ukraine, causing the stamp to sell out within a week. Its significance led to the remaining copies being presented to Ukrainian delegations at international events.
Ihor Smilyansky, the head of Ukrposhta, recognizes the daring nature of this decision. "I don't care whatever everyone else thinks," Smilyansky stated, acknowledging the unconventional path the postal service has taken. "We're about breaking the rules," he added, highlighting that they test their designs via public polls, which often yield politically charged responses.
One of their best-selling stamps showcases a tractor towing away a captured Russian tank alongside the phrase “Good evening, we’re from Ukraine.” This stamp has reportedly sold about eight million copies. Another stamp featured a beloved mine-sniffing dog named Patron, raising approximately $500,000, where 80% of the sales are dedicated to purchasing mine-clearing equipment and supporting animal shelters.
The creativity doesn't stop there; stamps featuring a striking mural by Banksy on a shell-ravaged building near Kyiv have also contributed to funding bomb shelters. This piece of art incorporated another popular yet unprintable slogan directed at Vladimir Putin.
According to Smilyansky, humor plays a pivotal role in sustaining the spirits of the Ukrainian people during the conflict. He remarked, “Humor has become a fighting force for Ukrainians in this war." As laughter persists even in dire circumstances, some stamps personify this resilience.
Oscar Young, an expert from UK-based stamp auctioneers Stanley Gibbons, notes that Ukraine's approach to stamp design is unprecedented. While stamps typically convey artistic and polite messages, Ukraine's convey defiance and jest, setting them apart from global offerings. Young expressed that the frankness of the warship stamp was a key factor in its fame.
As collectors around the globe take notice, the unique character of these stamps reflects the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian populace. As a collector from the UK, Laura Bullivant, remarked, “They are bringing something to the game that no other country could.” In these challenging times, these stamps symbolize not just a postal service, but a nation standing resilient and creative amidst turmoil.
Ihor Smilyansky, the head of Ukrposhta, recognizes the daring nature of this decision. "I don't care whatever everyone else thinks," Smilyansky stated, acknowledging the unconventional path the postal service has taken. "We're about breaking the rules," he added, highlighting that they test their designs via public polls, which often yield politically charged responses.
One of their best-selling stamps showcases a tractor towing away a captured Russian tank alongside the phrase “Good evening, we’re from Ukraine.” This stamp has reportedly sold about eight million copies. Another stamp featured a beloved mine-sniffing dog named Patron, raising approximately $500,000, where 80% of the sales are dedicated to purchasing mine-clearing equipment and supporting animal shelters.
The creativity doesn't stop there; stamps featuring a striking mural by Banksy on a shell-ravaged building near Kyiv have also contributed to funding bomb shelters. This piece of art incorporated another popular yet unprintable slogan directed at Vladimir Putin.
According to Smilyansky, humor plays a pivotal role in sustaining the spirits of the Ukrainian people during the conflict. He remarked, “Humor has become a fighting force for Ukrainians in this war." As laughter persists even in dire circumstances, some stamps personify this resilience.
Oscar Young, an expert from UK-based stamp auctioneers Stanley Gibbons, notes that Ukraine's approach to stamp design is unprecedented. While stamps typically convey artistic and polite messages, Ukraine's convey defiance and jest, setting them apart from global offerings. Young expressed that the frankness of the warship stamp was a key factor in its fame.
As collectors around the globe take notice, the unique character of these stamps reflects the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian populace. As a collector from the UK, Laura Bullivant, remarked, “They are bringing something to the game that no other country could.” In these challenging times, these stamps symbolize not just a postal service, but a nation standing resilient and creative amidst turmoil.
