Stamp of Unbreakable Spirit: Rokada and Partners Cancel Their Own Postage Stamp

A ceremonial cancellation of the foundation’s own postage stamp took place in Kyiv, with the participation of Natalia Hurzhii, Chair of the Board of the Rokada Charitable Foundation, Natalia Mukhina, Head of the Philatelic Products Department of Ukrposhta, and Karolina Lindholm Billing, UNHCR Representative in Ukraine.

“The Stamp of Unbreakable Spirit. Where Home Grows” is a symbolic postage stamp whose mission is once again to remind Ukrainians and the world of the challenges faced by millions of people who have lost their homes to war, persecution, or natural disasters. It speaks to those who need support — who, despite everything, hold on to unwavering faith and resilience. It is dedicated to refugees and internally displaced Ukrainians.

The idea to create the “Stamp of Unbreakable Spirit” belongs to the Rokada Charitable Foundation.

“A heavy loss leaves a deep mark on the heart. Yet at the same time, everyone carries a hope that drives them to begin again: to rebuild a home, restore a life, believe in return. So the stamp we’ve released is a reminder of the strength and resilience of those who have lived through these trials. And also of the importance of support. Every day, Rokada’s team stands beside these people, helping them on their path to renewal. This stamp is about a dream that will inevitably come true through our shared efforts,” said Natalia Hurzhii, Chair of the Board of the Rokada Charitable Foundation.

The stamp was issued as part of Ukrposhta’s “Own Stamp” project, in cooperation with the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine (UNHCR), as part of an awareness campaign for World Refugee Day.

“Millions of Ukrainians have been separated from loved ones and have endured the painful loss of their homes, communities, and their familiar sense of safety. This stamp symbolizes the courage and resilience of the millions of people whom war has deprived of a home but could not break. Behind every refugee and internally displaced person is a story of survival, resilience, and the drive to rebuild and start life anew, despite every hardship. It’s also a reminder that humanitarian aid isn’t only about meeting basic needs — it’s about giving strength, restoring dignity, offering support, and reminding people that they are remembered and that community bonds remain strong. When someone receives a letter or postcard bearing the “Stamp of Unbreakable Spirit,” they feel this for themselves. This stamp tells the world: losing a home doesn’t mean losing dignity, a sense of belonging, dreams, or hope,” said Karolina Lindholm Billing, UNHCR Representative in Ukraine.

Mashrabchon Khaidarov, a refugee from Tajikistan, and Liudmyla Barna, internally displaced from the Kherson region, shared their own stories of losing home. They say the “Stamp of Unbreakable Spirit” brings together the story, the pain, and the hope of every one of them.

“Wherever we are, we always think of our relatives, of our home, our roots. Every refugee carries the same pain, and it never truly fades. I deeply hope the day will come when everyone can return home… We have to stay strong, not give up,” says Mashrabchon Khaidarov.

“This stamp will endure for a long time — because millions of Ukrainians have lost their homes. It’s deeply sensitive. And the girl depicted on it is our future… It carries both the yellow and blue colours — that is her heritage… Creating this stamp is very important. And I’m truly grateful for it,” added Liudmyla Barna.

The postal release of “The Stamp of Unbreakable Spirit. Where Home Grows” is presented as a sheet of 9 stamps at “U” denomination, along with an illustrated envelope.

“This is the first stamp issue dedicated to Ukrainians who have lost their homes — who dream, who keep fighting and believing… We are deeply grateful to the Rokada Charitable Foundation for this initiative. Until now, the subject of refugees and internally displaced people hasn’t been given this kind of visibility. I sincerely hope the “Stamp of Unbreakable Spirit” finds supporters all around the world,” noted Natalia Mukhina, Head of the Philatelic Products Department of Ukrposhta.

The story behind the stamp

On 20 June, World Refugee Day, the Rokada Charitable Foundation announced a public competition to design the “Stamp of Unbreakable Spirit.” Anyone could take part. The competition ran for over a month and gathered dozens of moving visual stories. The foundation’s team selected the winning artistic concept through an internal vote.

The winner of the “Stamp of Unbreakable Spirit” competition was 32-year-old artist and designer Alyona Zinchenko. At the start of the full-scale invasion, she and her daughter lived through the occupation of Bucha, before being forced to relocate to the United Kingdom.

The stamp depicts a girl with a pencil, sleeping in an embracing pose. She represents a child who lost her home but kept her dream. The bright colours contrast the pain of loss with the strength of renewal. The house stands for memory and hope. The flowers in the sky represent souls taking root in a new life. This image is a tribute to the resilience of displaced people and the warmth they carry within them.

The artist’s own daughter, Veronika, served as the model for the girl depicted on the stamp.

“This competition became very personal for me — I am a displaced person myself. After three weeks in a cold basement in Bucha, my child and I broke free from the occupation and went through a difficult path of recovery. Working on the design became a kind of therapy: I wanted to convey the fragility and strength of a child who doesn’t lose hope even after a terrifying experience. I’m truly glad that my experience, my pain, and my path to recovery have been heard. I believe they resonate with many Ukrainians. To me, this stamp is a symbol that home isn’t just a place on a map, but something we carry in our hearts: memory, warmth, hope, and the ability to begin again,” says designer Alyona Zinchenko.

“The Stamp of Unbreakable Spirit. Where Home Grows” can be purchased from Ukrposhta’s official online store, postmark.ukrposhta.ua, starting 18 August.