Russian Post issued a stamp to mark the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland.

      The stamp depicts defenders of the country from different eras: a 13th-century knight, an infantryman from the Patriotic War of 1812, a soldier of the Great Patriotic War and a contemporary serviceman.

      First-day covers and special cancellation postmarks for Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Penza, Kaliningrad, Petrozavodsk and Orel have been prepared for the release. A maximum card has also been issued.

      “The Year of the Defender of the Fatherland is an expression of deep gratitude to those who have defended and continue to defend the sovereignty and security of our country, a symbol of national unity and patriotism. The issue of the stamp is a significant contribution to the preservation of historical memory,” said Alexander Vakulenko, director of the North‑West macroregion of Russian Post.

      Postage stamps in Russia are issued by JSC Marka, a subsidiary of Russian Post. For collectors, postal items cancelled on the day of issue are of particular value.