Glory to the Armed Forces of Ukraine! Stamp sheet

Since the start of military aggression and the imposition of martial law, Ukrposhta has moved away from issuing stamps according to the thematic plan approved for the year. Now the relevance of each stamp corresponds to the present. Each series issued at that time is aimed at the victory through the joint efforts of every Ukrainian. The funds received from the sale in the amount of 8 hryvnias per stamp will be donated to the AFU.

Information about the stamp sheet

The postal issue has a charitable purpose and is dedicated to the Day of Defenders of Ukraine. The holiday was founded and has been celebrated since 2014. The stamp issue coincides with the day of celebration. Commencement date: 14.10.2022

·         Circulation of copies - 1 million

·         Format - 52x25.2 mm

·         Number per sheet - 6 (2x3)

·         Postage denomination - new U+8 series

·         Author - Anton Khruppin

Besides the stamp sheet, the theme will be shown on envelopes, of which there will also be 6. Postcards and paraphernalia in various formats of merchandise are also possible.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine help civilians. Photo by Oleksandr Markushi

What is pictured on the stamps

The author is not first-time participant in the design of postage stamp designs. Anton Khrupin is a designer from Kramatorsk; his first work for Ukrposhta was the Independence Day postage block, better known as "Free. Indestructible. Invincible". The release date corresponds to the day of the holiday.

The sheet has six different and unique stamps. Each of them has a place for the military of a particular type and branch of the Ukrainian army: Airborne forces, Navy, Ground Forces, Territorial Defense Forces, Special Forces and Armed Forces. In addition to the military, the design is complemented by illustrations that have filled the Ukrainian media space for 8 months.

The embodiment of value in each stamp

A stamp with soldiers of the Airborne Forces, symbolised by a maroon beret. Next to them is an essay from a landmark photo taken in April in Borodyanka. The kitchen cupboards, left hanging on the wall after the destruction of an apartment building. They have become a symbol of sustainability. On social media, the photo has become a kind of symbol of support.

The Navy is stubbornly defending the Ukrainian water space and seashores. All anti-ship defenses are actively used for this purpose, making it impossible for enemy marines to land on Ukrainian soil. The stamp features the Vorontsov lighthouse with the Ukrainian flag, which symbolizes the stability of the inviolability of maritime borders.

Ground forces, as the most numerous branch of the armed forces, defend Ukrainian lands along the entire front line. It has been repeatedly said that modern warfare is a war of artillery. The stamp also has the iconic photo of a soldier carrying a little girl in his arms from a war zone in April under explosions and gunfire. Apart from blood, a great many children's tears were shed in this war.

 Kyiv first days of war 2022 Photo from open sources

One of the youngest branches of the Ukrainian Armed Forces is the TDF. Those that were auxiliary on the home front have become super important on the front line. The stamp is combined with a picture of a 5-year-old boy who was caught in the frame on the Ukrainian-Polish border in March. The picture has become a symbol for Ukrainian refugees. Poland has played a significant role by sheltering millions of Ukrainians.

The SDF is a separate branch of the military formed in 2016 that has specific training to modern standards. They now play an important role in intelligence and dangerous missions. The names of these heroes will never be made public, this is guaranteed by state secrecy. Next to them on the stamp is the legendary May photo of one of the defenders at the Azovstal citadel, who made history defending Ukrainian Mariupol.

The air force as a symbol of air support and cover protects the country's air and ground space. At the start of the war, the enemy hoped to destroy this capability, but it turned out to be a thunderbolt from the sky. Pictured on the stamp is the Ghost of Kyiv in every fighter pilot.