We will not forget! We will not forgive! Butch Irpin Gostomel. Postal block

Postal block "We won't forget! We won't forgive! Bucha. Irpin. Gostomel"

Many people have been talking about the global crisis since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Almost all countries in the world have been affected by this disaster. In two years, humanity has managed to adapt to these conditions both in the medical and economic spheres. Many hoped that in 2022 it would be possible to finally destroy the disease or significantly reduce its impact on human life.

However, the war in Europe had an even greater impact on the modern civilized world. Humanity in the 21st century was not prepared for either a pandemic or a military conflict. Military actions continued in Ukraine throughout 2022, and these conditions led to dramatic changes. Neighboring countries felt both the demographic impact of migration and the economic impact. After all, it is not for nothing that the world says Ukraine feeds the world.

 Philately as a tool for influencing events

In the first days of the full-scale invasion by the aggressor country on the territory of the independent Ukrainian state, the entire civilized world was shocked. These actions were condemned by most developed countries. There are many discussions about the indecision of the allies, but the fact remains. Ukraine has enlisted the support of the entire world, and everyone is providing assistance within their capabilities. Such assistance can be called effective, as a large percentage of Ukrainian lands were de-occupied from the invaders in the second half of 2022.

Ukrposhta, like most Ukrainian companies, joined the fight against aggression. Philately has always been and remains a powerful propaganda tool. Due to it, information can be conveyed far beyond the borders of the country by printing shocking truth on stamps, envelopes, and postcards.

As a result of these events, Ukrposhta suspended the art stamps planned for 2022. Instead, the company started working on stamps that would reflect the current events of the martial law period in the country. And the first success was the release of the stamp "Russian warship, go...!". The stamp became a symbol of resistance and the struggle for Ukrainian independence. Both Ukrainian and international community supported the release of this stamp, despite its impressionistic content. It became desirable not only among collectors but also among ordinary people.

Notably, this event emboldened the Ukrainian army. Eventually, the flagship of the Black Sea fleet of the invading country was destroyed. Ukrposhta promptly reacted to this success and issued a second stamp with the ship. Further issues continued until the end of the year and each of them was in demand.

We will not forget! We will not forgive! Butch Irpin Gostomel. Postal block

Preconditions for the release of the block "We won't forget! We won't forgive! Bucha. Irpin. Gostomel"

The enemy's main plan was a rash offensive aimed at quickly seizing power in Kyiv. But they failed to capture the Ukrainian capital. At the same time, the cities of Kyiv region bore the brunt of the attack. This was accompanied by the destruction of residential buildings and the killing of Ukrainian civilians.

The armed forces of the russian invaders were driven out of the Kyiv region, and later from other central and northern regions. It was after this that the facts of the occupiers' criminal actions against the peaceful Ukrainian people were discovered.

Ukrposhta has timed a thematic issue to mark the anniversary of the liberation of Kyiv region from occupation. It is not a simple issue, as it covers criminal acts in Bucha, Irpin, and Hostomel. All these settlements have been granted the title of hero city.

Vokzalna street in Buchi with broken equipment of the Russian army / photo REUTERS

In Irpen, people are hiding under the ruins of the bridge / photo from open sources

What is depicted on the postal block

П The postal block contains a panoramic photo of Irpin, which shows the extent of the city's destruction. There are no military objects in the photo, only damaged and destroyed civilian houses. The lower right part of the block contains the title in large letters "We won't forget! We won't forgive! Bucha. Irpin. Gostomel". It is separated by a protective tape. One can assume that it indicates the investigation is ongoing and the criminals must be brought to justice.

Along with the postal block, Ukrposhta offers themed cards and an envelope. The cards depict cities before and after the arrival of russian criminals. The envelope displays a page of international publications that were shaken by this event.

The postal block contains three stamps of different sizes and in the same denomination (letter M). Each of them is dedicated to one of the three affected cities in Kyiv region:

·         CITY OF HEROES. Bucha is a 43.5 x 26.1 mm stamp placed at the top of the block. It contains a photo of Serhiy Nuzhnenko from Radio Svoboda. The location of the photo is Vokzalna Street. The photo contains an image of a broken column with russian military equipment.

·         CITY OF HEROES. Irpin - the lower stamp is 43.5×29.5 mm with a photo of Mykhailo Dzhos. It depicts the only river crossing, which served as the main route for evacuating civilians from the war zone.

·         CITY OF HEROES: Gostomel - a rectangular stamp of 33.0 x 33.0 mm with a drawing by Oleksandr Nikitiuk depicting the Ukrainian AN-225 Mriya aircraft destroyed at the airfield.

Кожна марка містить атрибути знаків поштової оплати – належність до України (надпис двома мовами, герб), рік випуску, назву художньої марки та номінал. Марка запланована до виходу в день річниці визволення Київщини – 31 березня. Попередній номінал поштового блоку – 100 тис. прим.

envelope of the first day We will not forgive We will not forget