Cover «First Day. Medal ‘Defender of the Motherland’» with special cancellation

The postage stamp “Medal ‘Defender of the Motherland’” continues the series “Awards of Ukraine,” launched by Ukrposhta in 1997.

The medal was established on October 8, 1999, as a presidential award on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of Ukraine's liberation from Nazi invaders. The award is given to war veterans and other individuals for their personal courage and bravery in defending the interests of the state and strengthening the defense capabilities and security of Ukraine. The “Defender of the Fatherland” medal may be awarded posthumously. In such cases, the award is presented to family members.

The awarding of the medal intensified in 2014 in connection with the start of Russia's hybrid aggression and the launch of an anti-terrorist operation in the east of the country. New challenges led to the modernization of the award: the shape of the medal clasp and the colors of its ribbon, which previously contained elements of the so-called “Colorado” ribbon, were changed.

In 2022–2024, more than 10,000 participants in the Russian-Ukrainian war were awarded this state award. Among them are heroes who were awarded posthumously.

The medal was designed by Yukhym Kharabet.