Postage Issue: FC Shakhtar (Donetsk). 90 years

In 2026, one of Ukraine’s most beloved football clubs, FC Shakhtar Donetsk, celebrates its 90th anniversary.

The club’s history is marked by resilience, determination, and an iron will. Shakhtar is the winner of the 2009 UEFA Cup and shares first place among the most decorated Ukrainian clubs since independence: 16-time Ukrainian champions, 15-time winners of the Ukrainian Cup, and 9-time winners of the Ukrainian Super Cup.

Until 2014, FC Shakhtar played its home matches at Donbas Arena. Due to the Russo-Ukrainian War and the temporary occupation of Donetsk, the club has been forced to play its home matches away from its hometown.

The issue’s envelope features Lev Azriel’s photograph “Shakhtar Is Playing” (Donetsk, 1967), which has become a well-known image of popular support for the club: fans watch the match from a slag heap — the “fifth stand” — which has become a symbol of support for the team and a link between generations.

On August 30, 2026, a new Ukrainian postage block titled "FC Shakhtar (Donetsk). 90 years of an unbreakable history" will be officially issued and valid for postal use nationwide.

The special First Day cancellation ceremony will take place in Kyiv, 01001 and Lviv, 79008.

• Stamp block No. 230 «FC Shakhtar (Donetsk). 90 years of an unbreakable history»;
• Stamp No. 2253 «Winners of the 2009 UEFA Cup»;
• Stamp No. 2254 «16-time Ukrainian champion»;
• Stamp No. 2255 «Let’s play at home!»;
• Block format — 120х110 mm;
• Stamp format — 29.58х40.02 mm, 38.28х52.20 mm;
• Denomination — F;
• Stamps per block — 3;
• Print run  — 40 000 blocks, FDC — 15 000, booklets — 350;
• Printing method — offset printing;
• Printed by — Ukraina Printing Plant;
• This issue was created with the support of FC Shakhtar;
• Designed by Taran V.