Simon Petlyura postage stamp

125 years since the birth of Symon Petliura postage stamp

The stamp "Symon Petliura. 1879-1926 (№ 589)" became a significant event in the world of philately. Introduced on May 21 with a denomination of 45 kopecks, this stamp is dedicated to the 125th anniversary of the birth of the prominent Ukrainian political and military figure - Symon Petliura.

The artistic depiction, created by Vasyl Vasilenko, captivates with its detail and sophistication. The stamp has a format of 30 by 33 mm and a perforation of 13 1/4. Each sheet contains 16 stamps arranged in a 4 by 4 format.

To add elements of fascination and mystery, the stamp is equipped with microtext "V.Vasilenko," and under ultraviolet rays, gallium, the contour of the trident, and duplicated facsimile stand out. The printing method is offset.

A special envelope and first-day cancellation stamp have been designed for this stamp.

The circulation of this stamp is 120,000 copies, making it quite rare. This artistic creation is defined not only by its aesthetics but also by its significant historical weight, considering the crucial role Symon Petliura played in Ukrainian history.

Symon Petliura and his legacy in Ukrainian statehood.

Symon Vasylovych Petliura was born on May 22, 1879, in Poltava. He was a distinguished warrior and politician who played a crucial role in the creation and maintenance of the independent Ukrainian People's Republic (UNR) during the challenging historical circumstances of the early 20th century.

Petliura actively participated in political events during World War I and the Russian Revolution. He was one of the organizers of the Ukrainian Central Rada and became the Minister of Military Affairs of the UNR. Attempts to secure Ukraine's independence and implement democratic reforms in society were key aspects of his political activities.

During the period of 1918-1920, Petliura served as the chief hetman and head of the Directorate of the UNR. A significant part of his policy was conducting a war for independence against various armies and interveners, including Bolsheviks, White Guards, and the Polish army.

Among Petliura's achievements is the signing of the Warsaw Treaty in 1920 between the UNR and Poland, ensuring the recognition of the Ukrainian-Polish border and mutual military assistance. Joint operations against the Bolsheviks were also initiated.

Unfortunately, the unstable political situation, internal conflicts, and international pressures led to the defeat of the UNR, and Petliura was forced into exile. His political career ended tragically with his assassination in Paris on May 25, 1926. Petliura's death was the result of calculations by the Soviet leadership, seeing him as the biggest threat to their interests in the South.

Thus, Symon Petliura remains a significant figure in Ukrainian history, marked not only by military courage but also by the desire to ensure independence and development through democratic principles and international cooperation.