The mother here, holding a skull, appears angry and determined and is adorned with a vyshyvanka (traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirt) and elements of nature that are popular symbols in Ukrainian culture. The elements of the Madonna’s vinok are all symbolic of Ukrainian national identity and of the context of war: the sunflower, the national flower of Ukraine, has come to represent hope and resistance in the current war;  red poppies, associated in many countries with fallen soldiers in both world wars, traditionally represent the deaths of Ukrainian Kozaks (a collection of nationalist, nomadic warriors that were the targets of a massacre by Tsar Peter I in the 18th century);  wheat, a plentiful export that has historically been exploited to further Russia’s economic power, has become a symbol of Ukraine’s distinct identity from Russia.

The second tattoo reflects patriotism in each of its four main components. The black and white three-pronged trident is an elaborate depiction of the trident within the Ukrainian coat of arms. This is adorned with poppies which function as symbols of the lives lost in founding and maintaining the Ukrainian nation. The middle ornamentation contains the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag while also taking inspiration from an eight-pointed star embroidery pattern utilized in the vyshyvanka. Lastly, the caption translates to “Together we are strong,” showing how tattoos can serve as a means for self-expression as well as a tool for propagating important social ideas such as nationalism. 

Since the Russian invasion, many Ukrainian tattoo artists have used their art as a way to raise funds for the war effort. Many have donated all or some of the proceeds raised from creating patriotic tattoos to the Ukrainian army. It is significant that the Russian army reportedly checks Ukrainians entering Russian-occupied zones for patriotic tattoos. While this has caused some Ukrainians to fear retaliation for advertising their patriotism, it demonstrates that the Russian forces view such tattoos pose a threat because they represent the determined spirit of the Ukrainian people who will not concede in the face of danger.