"Russian Warship, Go Away"…Powerful New Ukrainian Stamp Slogan

The Ukrainian Post Office set the slogan of the stamp released on the 12th (local time) as "Russian warship, go away." / Photo by New York Post capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] The Ukrainian Postal Service has issued and started selling stamps bearing a strong condemnation message directed at Russian warships.

According to CNN on the 12th (local time), the Ukrainian Postal Service announced on Facebook that it had released stamps with the slogan "Russian warship, go f*** yourself." The Postal Service explained, "These stamps are available for purchase at major post offices and online starting today."

The slogan on the stamp issued that day quotes the words of soldier Roman Hrybov, who was captured as a prisoner after resisting Russian forces on February 24, the first day of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, directed at a Russian warship.

Roman Hrybov soldier receiving a medal. / Photo by Ukraine Ministry of Defense Twitter

At that time, Hrybov was defending territorial waters on Zmiinyi Island in the Black Sea, located 48 km from the southern mainland of Ukraine, along with 12 other border guards.

The Russian warship that approached the island warned, "Lay down your weapons and surrender to avoid bloodshed and unnecessary casualties. Otherwise, we will open fire."

However, Hrybov responded, "Russian warship, go f*** yourself," and continued to resist until the end, after which Russian forces began shelling.

It was later presumed that all the soldiers died in the engagement. However, a few days later, the Ukrainian border guards reported that they were alive and had been captured by Russian forces.

Eventually, they were included among the first prisoners exchanged following the Russian invasion, released on the 25th, one month after their capture.

Since then, Hrybov's words have become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance against Russia. It is reported that Hrybov personally attended the stamp unveiling event.

The Ukrainian Postal Service paid tribute on social media, stating, "It was because of his strong resistance that this stamp could be issued."