2022 1+1 Lithuania-Ukraine Friendship, 1 Mint Stamp, Lithuania

2022 Defenders of Ukrainian Freedom
(Ukrainos laisvės gynėjams)

• Issued by Lithuania to support Ukraine and its armed forces as it faces off against enemy Russia
• Honors Ukraine by using the blue and yellow colors of its flag in the stamp design
• One of many stamps issued by countries around the world showing solidarity with Ukraine

Stamp Category:  Semi-postal
Issuing Country:  Lithuania (Lietuvos paštas – Lithuanian Post)
Value:  €1 + €1 (One Euro face value plus additional Euro to be donated to a Lithuanian charitable organization assisting Ukraine)
First Day of Issue:  May 6, 2022
Quantity Issued:  40,000
Format:  Sheets of 4 stamps plus 2 coupons with text in Lithuanian indicating where the extra €1 will be donated

Why the stamp was issued:  This stamp was issued to show support for Ukraine in its ongoing war against Russian tyranny.

About the stamp design:  This stamp was designed by Eglė Kirlytė and pictures two people in yellow and blue clothes (the colors of the Ukrainian flag) embracing.  The image shows support for the Ukrainian army who is tirelessly fighting to defend the freedom of their country against Russian insurgents.  The words in the upper left corner (Ukrainos laisvės gynėjams) translates to “Defenders of Ukrainian Freedom” in Lithuanian.

Where the donation for this stamp went:  The additional one Euro added to the face value of this stamp was sent to the Lithuanian charitable organization known as “Mēlyna ir Geltona” (Blue/Yellow).  This organization has been supporting the armed forces of Ukraine against Russia since 2014.  They donate non-lethal defense materials to Ukrainian military and volunteers to fight against Russian attacks.

History the stamp represents:  When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, countries around the world rose up to show their support.  This included many nations issuing postage stamps picturing the Ukrainian flag, its colors, or other symbols.  Lithuania was one of them.