Postage Stamp Block "Lighthouses of Ukraine 2025"

The 2025 release continues the tradition of honoring prominent objects of Ukrainian navigation—lighthouses, which have guided sailors for centuries, becoming symbols of hope, safety, and resilience. This postage stamp block, created by talented designer Oksana Shuklinova, consists of six stamps, each dedicated to a separate lighthouse located along the shores of the Black and Azov Seas. The release of the block coincides with the 25th anniversary of the State Institution "Derzhhidrographia," responsible for hydrographic and navigational support of Ukraine's maritime navigation.

Lighthouses Featured on the Stamps:

1. Ai-Todor Lighthouse (1835)
   Located on Cape Ai-Todor in the settlement of Gaspra (AR Crimea, Ukraine), this lighthouse is one of the oldest on the Black Sea. Its white tower rises above the steep rocky coastline, symbolizing the refined architecture and maritime heritage of the peninsula.

2. Chauda Lighthouse (1886)
   Built on Cape Chauda (AR Crimea, Ukraine), this lighthouse guides ships through the treacherous waters of the Black Sea. Its austere aesthetics and functionality became a model of engineering excellence in the late 19th century.

3. Shagany (1944)
   The lighthouse, located near the village of Prymorske in Odesa Oblast, was erected during World War II to ensure navigational safety. Today, it serves as a reminder of challenging times when the need for landmarks was more critical than ever.

4. Bilosarai Lighthouse (1811)
   Situated on the Bilosarai Spit (Donetsk Oblast), this lighthouse overlooks the waters of the Azov Sea. Its history dates back to the early 19th century, when it became a vital part of the southern Ukraine's navigational system.

5. Berdyansk Upper Lighthouse (1878)
   Located in the city of Berdyansk (Zaporizhzhia Oblast), this lighthouse ensures navigation across the Azov Sea. Its architectural features combine functionality and simplicity, making it a distinctive element of the coastal landscape.

6. Rusyky Rear Lighthouse (1863)
   Positioned on Ruska Spit, near the village of Lymany (Mykolaiv Oblast), this lighthouse serves as a guiding point for vessels passing through the Buh-Dnipro-Liman Canal. Its unique construction and location reflect the specifics of navigation in this part of Ukraine.

Thematic Content and Artistic Design

Each stamp in the block is designed to convey the individuality of the lighthouse and its architectural features. Oksana Shuklinova’s design demonstrates a delicate sense of scale and space, using soft color palettes that harmonize with the natural environment of the lighthouses. Through detailed illustrations, viewers can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of each corner of Ukraine’s maritime coast.

The block’s circulation is 50,000 copies, emphasizing its uniqueness and collectible value. The nominal value of each stamp is marked with the letter "U," corresponding to the current postage rates at the time of release.

The "Lighthouses of Ukraine 2025" postage stamp block is not only a tribute to the historical landmarks of navigation but also symbolizes the unity of Ukraine’s navigational system, which continues its operation despite all challenges and adversities. Its creation and release are acts of preserving cultural heritage and national identity