10th anniversary of the creation of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, a series of stamps (6 stamps) Underground Post of Ukraine

The Ukrainian Insurgent Army is an immortal mark in the history of Ukraine

An unquenchable fire of freedom burns in the heart of every Ukrainian. This flame burned even when the dark clouds of occupation hung over our native land. In those difficult times, the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) was born - the glory and pride of the nation, which became the forefront of the struggle for independence.

The UPA was founded in October 1942, when enemy troops came to our lands for the second time in the twentieth century. First, the Red Army, and later Nazi Germany, sought to conquer the Ukrainian people. But among the forests and mountains of Galicia, Volhynia, Polissia and the Carpathians, those who were ready to fight to the last breath rose up. Their motto became: "You will win the Ukrainian state or you will die fighting for it!"

One of the brightest moments in the history of the UPA was the operation against the German invaders in February 1943. At a time when it seemed to the world that the Nazi machine was invincible, the Ukrainian rebels managed to strike the enemy. Their brave actions not only raised the fighting spirit of the population, but also showed the whole world that Ukraine is fighting for its freedom.

An equally important moment was the adoption of the First Conference of Ukrainian Nationalists in July 1944. At this meeting, a number of important decisions were made regarding the further struggle against all occupiers. This event became a kind of manifesto of the struggle for independence, which continued even after the end of the Second World War.

Roman Shukhevich and Stepan Bandera became outstanding figures of the UPA. Shukhevich, known under the pseudonym "Taras Chuprinka", became a symbol of the indomitable spirit of the nation. Under his leadership, the UPA carried out numerous successful operations against the occupiers. Stepan Bandera, in turn, was the ideological inspirer of the struggle, his name became synonymous with patriotism and devotion.

The UPA was not only a military organization. She fought for the hearts and minds of Ukrainians, supported the spirit of the nation in the darkest times. The rebels carried out underground activities, distributing leaflets, organizing schools and helping the local population. They faithfully served their people, even when the chances of victory seemed illusory.

The memory of the heroes of the UPA lives on in the hearts of Ukrainians to this day. They gave their lives for the sake of freedom, and their self-sacrifice became the foundation on which the modern Ukrainian state is built. Their example inspires new generations to fight for their rights and independence.

The history of the UPA is not only the history of war, it is the history of an indomitable spirit. It reminds us that true freedom comes only through struggle and that each of us is responsible for the future of our country. Let their feat be an eternal reminder that love for the Motherland is worth the ultimate sacrifice.

The Ukrainian Insurgent Army left a deep mark in the history of Ukraine. Their example of loyalty and devotion inspires new achievements, because heroes do not die, they live in our memory, in our hearts and in our struggle for a free, independent Ukraine.

A series of stamps in honor of the tenth anniversary of the creation of the UPA

In 1952, the Underground Post Office of Ukraine, whose office was in exile in the USA, issued a commemorative series of postage stamps to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). A series of stamps designed by the artist Myron Bilinskyi. The stamps were issued in two variants: the anniversary stamp in gold frames with a circulation of 1,080 series and the utility stamp in color frames with a circulation of 6,000 series. Denominations of miniatures are 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 35, 50, 60, 80 and 100 steps.

The series dedicated to the commemorative date consisted of ten stamps of different denominations. Each stamp was two-color, with central images depicting soldiers of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army fighting against the Soviet and German occupiers. Some stamps depict resistance fighters who, being underground, helped the main forces in the struggle for Ukraine's independence. The images are framed by a frame with the inscription: "Underground Post of Ukraine. Ukrainian Insurgent Army

• A stamp with a denomination of 5 steps - a stamp with a blue frame and a gray background. The stamp depicts a machine gunner with an assistant fighting the enemy.
• A stamp with a denomination of 10 steps is a stamp with a green frame and a brown background. The stamp depicts soldiers of the cavalry regiment.
• A stamp with a denomination of 15 steps is a stamp with a gray frame and a dark pink background. The stamp depicts rebel signalmen, who are establishing communication.
• The 20-step stamp is a stamp with a red frame and a gray background. The stamp depicts a rebel saboteur cutting electrical wires.
• The 25-step stamp is a stamp with a brown frame and a gray background. The stamp depicts grenade throwers fighting the enemy.
• A stamp with a denomination of 35 shags is a stamp with a black frame and a tasian background. The stamp depicts a UPA fighter throwing a grenade from a hiding place at enemies.
• A stamp with a denomination of 50 shaz is a stamp with a brown frame and a red background. Artillerymen firing cannons are depicted on the stamp.
• The 60-step stamp is a stamp with a blue frame and a purple background. The stamp depicts a soldier of the medical service providing aid to a wounded comrade.
• A stamp with a denomination of 80 steps - a stamp with an orange frame and a gray background. The stamp depicts a tank fighting enemies.
• A stamp with a denomination of 100 shags is a stamp with a light green frame and a brown background. The stamp shows the commander of the UPA unit against the background of soldiers fighting a fierce battle with the Soviet occupier.

The stamps of the presented issue carried a powerful message to the whole world, honoring the resilience and determination of the UPA fighters. They symbolized the relentless struggle for freedom and the indomitable spirit of those who resisted oppression. Each stamp in this series was a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, perpetuating their legacy in the annals of history.

It should be noted that stamps dedicated to the UPA were repeatedly issued by the Underground Post of Ukraine. However, most of the subsequent issues were designed in the form of letter blocks or sheets. The 1952, 1962, and 1967 releases are listed in the catalogs. However, all these issues repeated the stamp sketches of the first release.