Melitopol is Ukraine! Postage stamp

Postage Stamp “Melitopol – This Is Ukraine!”

Melitopol is a city of cherry blossoms, fertile land, and sincere hearts that beat in unison with all of Ukraine. Located in the Zaporizhzhia region, it is known as the cherry capital of the country, forever associated with the warmth of summer, the fragrance of its orchards, and the hard work of its people who once harvested an abundant crop — over 20,000 tons of cherries, nearly a quarter of Ukraine’s total yield.

But in 2022, when Russia brought war to our land, the city fell under occupation. Yet, despite pain and separation, Melitopol continues to live in the heart of every Ukrainian — as a symbol of resilience, love for one’s homeland, and faith in liberation. Because Melitopol is Ukraine! And it will always be so.

The postage stamp “Melitopol – This Is Ukraine!” was printed by Ukrposhta in 2023. Its release was originally planned to coincide with the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ summer counteroffensive in southern Ukraine, symbolizing hope for the liberation of the occupied territories. However, the Ukrainian troops were unable to advance significantly, and Melitopol remained under the control of the occupying Russian army. For this reason, the announcement of the stamp’s issue was postponed, yet the very idea behind it endured — transforming into a symbol of faith in the inevitable return of the city home.

On the stamp, created by the talented artist Nataliia Kokhal, the spirit of the indomitable city comes to life. At the center is depicted the legendary Melitopol cherry — juicy, ripe, and radiant like a drop of sunlight born of Ukrainian soil. It symbolizes fertility, peace, and the renewal of life. Nearby stands the famous raccoon from the Kherson Zoo, a charming emblem of humor and hope. Together, the cherry and the raccoon serve as playful yet profound reminders that Ukrainians always reclaim what is theirs — their land, their fruits, even their stolen animals.

The composition of the stamp radiates warmth and light — from the deep red of the cherries to the soft green hues recalling the lush orchards for which Melitopol was once renowned. Above them, like a promise of rebirth, waves the blue-and-yellow flag, symbolizing peace, freedom, and the unbroken spirit of the Ukrainian nation.

The sheet of six stamps resembles a small painting, framed by a delicate ornament reminiscent of the traditional embroidery of southern Ukraine. Every detail radiates love and warmth for the homeland that is destined to flourish again.

This postage miniature is more than a philatelic issue — it is a manifestation of faith in revival and the inevitable return of Ukrainian Melitopol home. Even in the darkest of times, the sun still rises over our orchards, and cherries ripen — as sweet as the dream of peace.

Issue Specifications

Artist: Nataliia Kokhal
Issue Date: 26.06.2025
Ukrposhta Catalogue Number: 2194
Sheet Size: 114 × 121 mm
Stamp Size: 30 × 40.5 mm
Number of Stamps per Sheet: 6
Denomination: M
Print Run: 150,000

“Melitopol – This Is Ukraine!” — these words now sound like a vow, a promise, and a declaration of faith. And as this stamp travels the world, it carries a message: every corner of our land will return beneath the Ukrainian sky, where cherries ripen, larks sing, and freedom lives