The 25th anniversary of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists, a series of stamps

25th anniversary of OUN stamp series (5 stamps)

A series of commemorative stamps dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) was printed by the Underground Post of Ukraine (PPU) in 1954. This series is one of the most important in the activities of the PPU, as its main goal was to support the Ukrainian resistance in its struggle for independence. The author of the drawings for the stamps was the famous artist Mykhailo Dmytrenko, who was distinguished by his skill in working out small details.

The stamps depict the figure of a blacksmith, which symbolically represents the constant readiness of nationalists for armed struggle. This figure reflects the spirit of indomitability and determination that was inherent in the members of the OUN. The inscription "25 years in the armed struggle" is located on the stamps vertically, emphasizing the significance of this date in the history of the Ukrainian liberation movement. The series consists of four stamps, each of which has its own denomination: 10, 20, 30 and 40 shags.

The total circulation of the series is 9,000 copies in the serrated format and 1,000 copies imperforated stamps. There are also editions of this series in different colors, with the reruns being much smaller at just 1,800 and 200 respectively. Given the years that have passed, it is very difficult to determine how many stamps of this series have survived to this day, making them extremely valuable to collectors and historians.

The sketch with images of the presented series was also used in subsequent issues of PPP stamps in recognition of the creation of the OUN.

Briefly about the OUN

The Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) is a political organization founded in 1929, which aimed to fight for the independence of Ukraine. The OUN was created by merging several Ukrainian nationalist groups and quickly became the leading force of the Ukrainian nationalist movement.

This organization, like a crimson sword in the hands of soldiers, ignited a thirst for freedom and independence in the hearts of millions of Ukrainians. Born amid the pressure of the occupiers, the OUN united the most determined patriots, those who were ready to sacrifice their lives for the Motherland.

In those days, when Ukraine was faced with a choice - to accept the yoke of invaders or to take the path of indomitable resistance, OUN became the light that led people through the darkness. Their ranks grew, filled with the energy of young and brave hearts. They were like a blacksmith's hammer, casting the future on the red-hot anvil of struggle. Their spirit was indomitable, like the mountain peaks of the Carpathians, and their goal was as clear as the first ray of dawn: a free and sovereign Ukraine.

Time did not stand still, and the OUN split into two currents, but even this split could not break their faith. One faction, headed by Stepan Bandera, chose a radical path, like thunder that splits the heavens. The other one, led by Andriy Melnyk, acted in the shadows, like a quiet whisper of the wind in the middle of the night forests. Regardless of the path they chose, the hearts of these people beat in unison, nurturing the dream of an independent Ukraine, which would eventually become a reality. Their feat, woven of blood and steel, remains an eternal symbol of the struggle for freedom.