The sinking of the Russian cruiser Moskva got here in a while after Ukraine’s nationwide postal carrier launched 1 million stamps depicting a Ukrainian fighter maintaining up a center finger in entrance of the vessel. The “First Day” stamp was once an interpretation of a Feb. 24 incident on Snake Island by which Ukrainian border guards reportedly informed off the encroaching Moskva with colourful language as Russia introduced its invasion.
As information emerged of the sinking of the Moskva — for which Ukrainian officers claimed accountability — Ukrainians covered up outdoor a Kyiv put up place of job in hope of snatching up the particular stamp. Odessa’s governor and the Ukrainian army stated a Ukrainian missile assault sank the Russian warship — an statement subsidized by way of Washington — whilst Moscow blamed a mixture of a fireplace and unhealthy climate.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took to social media to advertise the commemorative stamp and an envelope that bore the similar symbol. He mocked the broken vessel, telling folks the usage of the stamps to needless to say the Moskva “all the time travels simplest in a single route” — downward.
Pictures of the raveled and handcuffed rich person Medvedchuk have additionally circulated broadly since his recapture. Medvedchuk, who has been charged with treason, escaped space arrest in a while after the invasion, in step with Kyiv.
Artists from the M81 Studio retooled a post-capture photograph of Medvedchuk into what they termed “Warhol-style” pop artwork. Proceeds from the sale of the “Kremlin agent Medvedchuk on the market” NFT, which was once buying and selling at kind of $320, can be used to strengthen Ukraine’s protection efforts, the studio stated.
“We’re used to Medvedchuk being corrupt, however after all, he’s being bought to learn Ukraine, and no longer for his personal enrichment,” it added.
Bertrand Malmendier, a member of Medvedchuk’s criminal workforce, stated in an e-mail to The Washington Submit that the oligarch faces political persecution in Ukraine and is now getting used as “a scapegoat for the conflict.” The legal professional added that his workforce is worried for Medvedchuk’s well-being and has written to the Ukrainian government to call for get right of entry to.
Peter Bejger contributed to this file.
