35 years of Independence of Ukraine
We Are Waiting!
In April 2026, Ukrposhta, together with the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, announced a nationwide competition for stamp designs for the postage stamp “We Are Waiting!”.
The competition received 195 entries. The best designs were presented in the Diia app for a public vote, with the winning design being “Stork. Freedom” by Nikita Titov. The artwork brings together the most cherished colors — the colors of our flag — with the image of the stork, Ukraine’s sacred bird, as well as the dreams, hopes, and efforts to bring prisoners of war and missing persons back home.
Andrii Yermolenko, whose “The Herald of Goodness” took second place, depicted a Ukrainian prisoner of war isolated behind barbed wire, evoking the image of a crown of thorns. Through the bars, the defender feeds a titmouse. This contrast emphasizes that even in captivity, Ukrainians preserve their compassion, inner light, and human dignity.
The new postage stamps, which Ukrposhta is presenting to mark the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, are dedicated to the Heroes thanks to whom Ukraine stands strong, and to all of us who wait every day for their return home.