Ukraine's war stamps put humour, patriotism and swearing in the post

In Ukraine, the postal company Ukrposhta has taken a bold step by creating a series of war-themed stamps that blend humor, patriotism, and a touch of irreverence. One of the most notable stamps features a Ukrainian soldier raising a middle finger at a Russian warship, accompanied by the phrase 'Russian warship - Done! ' This stamp has become a symbol of defiance and resilience, capturing a moment from the early days of the full-scale invasion when Ukrainian forces famously refused to surrender to the demands of the Russian military. The warship in question, the Moskva, was sunk just two days after the stamp was released, leading to a surge in demand that saw it sell out within a week. Ihor Smilyansky, the head of Ukrposhta, acknowledged the unconventional nature of this stamp, stating, 'It was my decision. I said - I don't care whatever everyone else thinks. I just believe it's the right thing to do. ' This sentiment reflects a broader desire among Ukrainians to express their feelings and stand firm in the face of adversity. Ukrposhta often engages the public in the design process for their stamps, conducting online polls to gauge interest and gather feedback. This approach has led to the creation of other popular stamps, such as one depicting a Ukrainian tractor towing a captured Russian tank, along with the phrase 'Good evening, we're from Ukraine. ' This particular stamp has sold around eight million copies, generating significant revenue that has been used to fund important initiatives, including mine-clearing operations and animal shelters. The success of these stamps demonstrates how a simple piece of paper can have a profound impact, both in terms of raising funds and boosting morale among the Ukrainian people. Another stamp features Patron, a mine-sniffing dog, which has also contributed to funding for mine-clearing equipment. Smilyansky emphasized the importance of humor in these stamps, stating, 'Humor has become a fighting force for Ukrainians in this war. ' Even in the darkest times, Ukrainians strive to maintain a sense of humor, and their stamps serve as a reminder of their resilience. The unique approach taken by Ukrposhta has garnered attention from collectors and enthusiasts around the world. Oscar Young, a stamp dealer, noted that the focus on war themes and the use of bold imagery is quite unusual in the world of philately, where stamps are typically more artistic and polite. Laura Bullivant, a collector from the UK, expressed admiration for the strength and character of Ukrainian stamps, stating, 'At a time of huge worry and awfulness, they are bringing something to the game that no other country could. ' This highlights the power of stamps as a medium for storytelling and connection, especially during challenging times.