Crimean bridge encore postage stamp

The Crimean bridge was built after the annexation of the Crimean peninsula by the Russian Federation in 2018. In the minds of Ukrainians, the bridge represents the peninsula chained to Russia. An interesting fact is the importance of the bridge, as the President of the Russian Federation was personally present at its opening. After the full-scale invasion of Ukrainian lands by the aggressor country in February 2022, the bridge is of strategic importance for the transfer of military equipment to the captured Ukrainian territories.

On the morning of October 8, 2022, there was an explosion that damaged the bridge. Symbolically, that event took place after the anniversary of the Russian president.

Ukrposhta did not avoid this event and on the same day announced the release of a new stamp with a presentation in early November. Such a quick release of the postage stamp is explained by the fact that the issue of the destruction of the Crimean bridge was only a matter of time and the author was preparing a sketch of the future postage stamp in advance.

•         Date of  introduction of the "Crimean bridge encore!" postage stamp into circulation: November 4, 2022.

•         Circulation – 7 million copies

•         Number of stamps in a sheet – 7 pcs.

•         Denomination – M (18.00 UAH)

•         Artist – Yuriy Shapoval

7 million copies are the largest circulation of artistic stamps of Ukraine in the entire history of the existence of Ukraine.

The stamp came out with denomination M, which was noted by "Ukrposhta '' - the letter "M" symbolizes a bridge, the denomination is equivalent to UAH 18, that is UAH 126 for a sheet of 7 stamps. An envelope with the title "First Day", a plain art unmarked envelope, a postcard and a special postmark were issued with the stamp.

Additional information about the destruction of the Crimean bridge

On the morning of October 8, Ukrainian Telegram channels began to publish a video of the explosion incident on the Crimean Bridge. The video footage was probably obtained from surveillance cameras and filmed the event directly online. The quality of the image and the angles did not allow us to make conclusions about the nature and type of the explosion. Later, photos and video footage of eyewitnesses of the consequences of the incident and video footage from other surveillance cameras began to appear.

The Ukrainian side did not report any involvement in the incident. After many publications in Telegram and Twitter, it was the turn of the first official comments from the Russian side regarding the commission of the terrorist attack. First of all, a decision was made about closing the bridge, which caused panic among the Crimean population. Especially after the suspension of the sale of railway tickets to and from the peninsula. The facts of limiting the sale of products also take place.

As a temporary alternative, the Russian side announced the organization of a ferry crossing from the city of Kerch. But due to unfavorable weather at sea, the crossing could not start on time,  because of this, queues for departure from Crimea began to appear. After examining the nature of the destruction, damage to the 250-m-long auto canvas was revealed (falling into the water of 2 spans). But movement was possible in the second lane in reverse mode, which was done. The railway track and train traffic was restored the next day.

The main version of the Russian side is a terrorist attack, which was caused by the explosion of a truck that was moving on the bridge. This led not only to the destruction of two spans, but also to the explosion of 7 railway tanks of the train moving along the bridge.

What did the author depict on the sheet and stamps "Crimean bridge encore!"

First of all, Yuriy Shapoval , who writes in the style of impressionism should be noted. His works greatly symbolize the present and are dedicated to many current events. The first paintings that recreate the history of Ukraine were painted by the artist back in 2013-2014. Since then, the author quite often uses prominent historical figures such as Taras Shevchenko and interweaves their images in modern times. Every picture that carries a deep and creepy meaning is not disgusting and is presented to the public clearly and transparently.

The sketch for the stamp was made using the technique of plaint air  painting. Mark "Crimean bridge encore!" has many symbols that depict certain events and carry a hidden meaning:

•         a scene from a movie;

•         a stub;

•         Z-car;

·         •washing machine;

•         broken tank;

•         Bayraktar.

The importance of the event is symbolized by a scene from the well-known movie "Titanic". Most likely, the author chose it because of the refutation of the myth about the unsinkability of the once legendary ship, as well as the eternal connection of Crimea with the Russian Federation.

A kind of highlight is the stub in the hand of the heroine of the plot. After all, many events that are not in favor of the Russian side for some reason happen due to careless handling of fire and smoking in places not designated for this.

Other symbols include a VAZ car with a Z symbol on the back window, falling off a bridge into the water. A washing machine falls out of it. Currently, the Russian army is often called the "army of marauders", because this is evidenced by more than just chatter and stories of victims of the occupation. There are many video materials and evidence of prisoners about committing robberies of the civilian population. In many publications and information media, the second army of the world is highlighted as being inseparable from washing machines.

Evidence that the bridge is strategic for the aggressor country is the image of a broken tank. It is through him that the Russian side transports weapons to the southern regions of Ukraine.

Above the bridge depicted a "Bayraktar", which somehow flew past the Russian anti-aircraft missile, which is shooting down everything. Turkish drones are once again helping Ukraine defend its lands, but their relation to the bridge is unknown.

A sheet with stamps "The Crimean bridge encore!" should have placed 9 stamps (3x3), but the bottom two were occupied by the illustration.