The war in Ukraine and propaganda stamps

The war in Ukraine has extended to postage stamps, which have been effectively used as a tool of propaganda. Since 2014, the Ukrainian postal service has issued stamps reflecting the events of the war and boosting national morale. One of the most iconic examples is the stamp honoring the defenders of Snake Island, depicting a soldier showing the middle finger to a Russian warship. This stamp became immensely popular, with long queues forming at sales points on its release day. Other significant wartime events, such as the sinking of a Russian flagship and the destruction of the Kerch Strait Bridge, have also been commemorated on stamps.

At the same time, private entities have circulated unofficial stamps that have sparked heated debates. In 2022, an image of a so-called "Ukrainian" stamp honoring Nazi leader Roman Shukhevych went viral on Twitter. However, this was not an official Ukrainian postal issue but rather a product of the private Cossack Post. This fake news spread widely and triggered accusations of Ukrainian Nazi sympathies. Fact-checkers eventually debunked the claims, but the damage to Ukraine's reputation had already been done. Cossack Post and similar private entities produce so-called Cinderella stamps, which resemble real stamps but are not valid for postal use.

Russia and Ukraine

Postage stamps have a long history as tools of propaganda, and during the war, they have been used by both sides of the conflict. In 2014, the Russian postal service issued stamps celebrating the annexation of Crimea, emphasizing the region’s "belonging" to Russia. These stamps were printed in large quantities and widely distributed. Similarly, unofficial stamps have been issued in the names of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, but these are not recognized internationally as valid postage, as no country has acknowledged these areas as independent states.

Ukraine has countered Russian propaganda with its own creative stamp releases. Ukrainian stamps have commemorated not only wartime events but also acts of everyday heroism, such as a stamp showing a tractor towing a captured Russian tank. These stamps not only foster national unity but also serve as effective fundraising tools.

Support for Ukraine

International support for Ukraine has been prominently reflected through postage stamps. Dozens of postal services worldwide have issued stamps featuring Ukrainian national colors and symbols. Proceeds from these stamps have often been directed to humanitarian aid or used to support Ukrainians affected by the war. Some countries have also issued surcharge stamps, with the additional funds going entirely to Ukraine.

Postal services have supported Ukraine in other ways as well. Many countries have reduced postage fees or made deliveries to Ukraine free of charge, facilitating the transport of aid and humanitarian supplies. Countries like the Netherlands and Finland have also provided significant financial contributions to help rebuild Ukraine’s postal network and maintain its operations.

The war has significantly disrupted the Ukrainian postal service. Around 500 postal facilities have been destroyed or damaged, and 20% of the country is under Russian occupation, limiting the national postal service’s reach. Nevertheless, Ukraine's postal service has responded swiftly by establishing hundreds of temporary offices in locations such as schools and government buildings. International cooperation and donations have been crucial in ensuring the survival of Ukraine’s postal system and the continuation of vital services for its citizens amidst the conflict.