Bid for a good cause: Rare letter from Ukraine

As part of the 62nd auction of the Christoph Gärtner auction house, a special lot will be auctioned on 5 June 2025: a registered letter from Ukraine, sent in the midst of the war – and today symbolizing hope, resilience, and solidarity as a moving historical document.

Lot 6,500 is a registered letter from the central Ukrainian city of Kropywnyskyi, addressed to Italy. Sent on 25 April 2022 – just two months after the start of the Russian invasion – this piece highlights the challenges and courage amid the war. At that time, it was uncertain whether the letter would reach its destination, as western and central Ukraine were struck by Russian missiles. It is all the more impressive that it actually arrived at the recipient in Italy on 17 May 2022, who is now donating it to us.

The letter is franked with two stamps from the first issue of the well-known “Russian Warship Moskva – F*** off” stamp, issued on 12 April 2022 (only 500,000 copies). Just two days later, the depicted warship “Moskva” sank, leading to an immediate second series (now without the warship).

With a clearly readable postmark, tracking, and an official special envelope from the Ukrainian Post (only 60,000 printed), this lot is not only philatelistically significant but also historically meaningful.

This auction is a pure charity event: both the consignor and the auction house waive fees and commissions. The full proceeds will benefit the Blue-Yellow Cross in support of Ukrainian orphans. More information can be found at: www.bgk-verein.de

Bid for a good cause and secure a moving testament to our time.

Lot 6,500, view it online here and place your bid!