We're With You! – A Special Stamp Showing Support for Ukraine
On Friday, March 25, the Polish Post introduced a special "We Are With You!" stamp into circulation as an expression of support, respect, and solidarity with Ukraine, which is fighting for freedom and independence. Three million copies of this unique stamp were distributed to post offices across the country.
The presentation of the unique stamp took place on March 25th of this year at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk, President of Poczta Polska Tomasz Zdzikot, and Oleh Kuts, Minister-Counselor and Deputy Ambassador of Ukraine to Poland.
" Russia's invasion of Ukraine has shattered the peace of the world. It has changed the lives of all of us, and above all, the fate of Ukrainian citizens. Poles have experienced war; they know how quickly it destroys the achievements of generations and how deep wounds it leaves," said Szymon Szynkowski, vel Sęk, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, during the presentation of the new stamp. "Perhaps precisely because we remember the painful experience of the 20th century wars, the natural reaction of Poland and Poles towards Ukraine and Ukrainians is unconditional solidarity and support. This is symbolized by the shaking hands visible on the stamp, " he emphasized.
" Ukraine fell victim to a shameful act of aggression by Russia. From one day to the next, the world of our neighbors was shattered. They had to take up arms to save what was most precious: their lives and the lives of their loved ones, the homes they lived in, and the values they believed in. Thousands of people lost their lives. Millions of women, children, and the elderly had to flee their countries seeking refuge, including under the hospitable Polish roof. Those who remained are heroically resisting the invader, teaching the world an invaluable lesson in courage, freedom, and sovereignty. Today, we send our message to all of them: you are not alone – we are with you! You will prevail! " says Tomasz Zdzikot, President of Poczta Polska.
The handshake depicted on the stamp, designed by Paweł Myszka, in the national colors of Poland and Ukraine, is intended to emphasize unity, highlight shared values, and announce commitment to rebuilding a newly independent Ukraine after the end of the Russian occupation. The name of the issue, "We are with you!", in two language versions – Polish and Ukrainian – is located in the center of the graphic composition. Along the bottom edge of the stamp is the inscription: POLAND.
In addition to the stamp, a First Day of Circulation (FDC) envelope is also being released. The envelope's graphic depicts a sculpture of the goddess Berehynia (Ukrainian: Berehynia) standing in Independence Square, popularly known as Maidan. Berehynia symbolizes Ukraine's independence and commemorates the country's independence.
" While enjoying the freedom and independence of our homeland, we cannot pretend that the current global situation does not concern us. No one else—Poles—so perfectly understands the need to fight the occupier. Our shared Christian roots and our shared commitment to the same values—the most important for humanity—protection of life and health—make the Solidarity uprising of millions of Poles so improbable. The world looks at us with disbelief, and we know that helping Ukraine is not a calculated political necessity, but above all, a need of the heart. And this need of the heart is manifested by this unique stamp, " says Wiesław Włodek, vice president of Poczta Polska. " We are with you, Ukrainian brothers, and we promise that you can count on us in the future as well ," he adds.
Putting the issue into circulation in such a short time was possible mainly thanks to the enormous commitment of the Polish Security Printing Works, which fulfilled the order for the production of a multi-million circulation at a record pace.
" We are not indifferent to the suffering that has befallen our neighbors. In the face of the humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing war, every expression of support for struggling Ukraine is important. Through this coin, produced within the walls of the Polish Security Printing Works, we are demonstrating our solidarity with the Ukrainian nation. This is a special stamp that, on the one hand, expresses our admiration for the courage and bravery of Ukrainians, and on the other, assures us of our support for all those forced to flee and seek safe haven. As a nation, we are rising to the occasion, providing aid to refugees from war-torn Ukraine in every corner of our country. We want those who remained to fight to know that their mothers, wives, and children are safe and cared for, " says Maciej Biernat, President of the Polish Security Printing Works.
The special philatelic issue is one of many initiatives undertaken by Poczta Polska since the beginning of the Russian aggression. The principles of its stamp issuance policy, consistent with the spirit of the Universal Postal Convention, stipulate that the topics in the philatelic issue plan should include events of particular significance and importance. Russia's attack on the independent state of Ukraine undoubtedly counts among these. Thanks to the sale of stamps, Poczta Polska can engage, also from its own funds, in aid for refugees from Ukraine and those who remained behind to defend themselves against Russian aggression. The company, in cooperation with clients, entities from the Capital Group, and the "Pocztowy Dar" Foundation, has already sent over 200 pallets of essential items to Ukraine, worth over 1.3 million PLN. The company has also joined the government's program to aid its attacked neighbor. The national postal operator has made available to relevant government agencies, including: its accommodation base in postal training and recreation centers (almost 200 refugees have already found shelter there) and in a staff hotel, vehicles for transporting Ukrainian citizens from the border to a location in Poland designated by crisis management teams, and for transports to the Government Agency for Strategic Reserves. The post office has also expressed its willingness to offer refugees jobs, including many positions where knowledge of the Polish language is not required.
About the stamp: stamp designer: Paweł Myszka number of stamps: 1 sales sheet: 100 stamps value: PRIORITY S circulation: 3,000,000 pcs, repeatable printing technique: rotogravure stamp format: 31.25 x 25.5 mm paper: fluorescent date of introduction into circulation: March 25, 2022