In April 2026, Ukrposhta, in collaboration with the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, announced a nationwide contest for designs for a postage stamp titled “We Are Waiting!”

A total of 195 entries were submitted to the contest. The best designs were featured in the “Diya” app for a public vote, and Nikita Titov’s sketch “Stork. Freedom” emerged as the winner. The design unites the most cherished colors—those of our flag and of hope—with the image of the stork, Ukraine’s sacred bird, as well as the dreams, hopes, and efforts to bring prisoners of war and those missing in action home.

Andriy Yermolenko, whose work “Herald of Goodness” took second place, depicted a Ukrainian prisoner of war isolated by barbed wire, alluding to a crown of thorns. Through the bars, the defender feeds a titmouse. This contrast underscores that even in captivity, Ukrainians retain their compassion, inner light, and human dignity.

The new postage stamps, which Ukrposhta is unveiling to mark the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, are dedicated to the heroes who keep Ukraine standing and to all of us who wait every day for their return home.