Ukraine Introduces New Banknote To Commemorate Anniversary Of Russia’s Invasion

Russia’s full-scale invasion has left an indelible mark on history. In spite of this, Ukraine has risen above the attacks, ensuring its people keep their heads up and that children would still have a Christmas.

Now, one year after the war, Ukraine is embracing its battle scars and expressing the people’s strength with an anniversary banknote. We remember. We will not forgive is the name of this commemorative 20-hryvnia (US$0.54) tribute, unveiled on Thursday by the Bank of Ukraine.

On one side, the artwork depicts three Ukrainian soldiers raising the flag. The other bears the image of two hands tied with tape.

This “small piece of paper” is also decked out in symbols of Ukrainian feelings and “iconic things,” Andriy Pyshnyi, governor of the country’s central bank, announced at a presentation held in Kyiv.

The poignant, one-year anniversary note, recognized as legal tender and embedded with security features, stands out from everyday paper designs with its vibrant and expressive aesthetic. It is also held vertically for a more striking portrait of this turbulent time in history.

The banknote took eight months to design and print, and it’s intended as the first of a series of commemorative notes tracking events of the conflict. More designs are in the pipeline, the Bank of Ukraine promises.

As for this 20-hryvnia bill, it will be distributed in a count of 300,000.

[via Reuters and WION, images via Bank of Ukraine]