UGVR stamp series Underground Post of Ukraine 1954

Stamp Series "Ukrainian Supreme Liberation Council" (6 Stamps)

A commemorative stamp series of the Underground Post of Ukraine (PPU), issued in 1954 to mark the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Ukrainian Supreme Liberation Council (UGVR).

This series is a unique philatelic artifact that not only immortalizes the struggle of the Ukrainian people for independence but also showcases an exquisite blend of art and history. The illustrations, created by Lev Rykhtytskyi, reflect the symbolism of the Ukrainian national liberation movement, employing allegorical imagery and deep patriotic aesthetics.

Main Characteristics of the Series:

• Format: 8 stamps of various colors and denominations

• Place of Issue: Munich, Germany

• Printing Type: Stamps with watermarks and a rare variety without them (on chalky paper)

• Circulation: Perforated series with denominations of 10-40 shahs – 5,000 copies; denominations of 50-75 shahs – 3,000 copies

Design and Denominations:

Group of Stamps Featuring the Symbolism of the 1st Grand Assembly of UGVR

• 10 shahs – light brown with a blue background (circulation 5,000 pcs.)

• 30 shahs – light brown with a green background (circulation 5,000 pcs.)

• 40 shahs – yellow with a gray background (circulation 5,000 pcs.)

These stamps depict an allegory of national defense: a protective forest behind which the sun rises – a symbol of the rebirth of Ukrainian statehood.

Group of Stamps "Three Eras of Ukrainian Weaponry"

• 15 shahs – yellow with a gray background (circulation 5,000 pcs.)

• 50 shahs – light green with a brown background (circulation 3,000 pcs.)

This thematic illustration represents three key periods of the struggle for independence: the era of Kyivan Rus, the Cossack times, and the modern era, continuing the fight for Ukrainian statehood in the 20th century.

Group of Stamps Featuring Allegories of Struggle and National Unity

• 20 shahs – light green with a light brown background (circulation 5,000 pcs.)

• 60 shahs – yellow with a brown background (circulation 3,000 pcs.)

• 75 shahs – light green with a crimson background (circulation 3,000 pcs.)

These stamps feature images of a Cossack with a horse and a girl waiting for him – an eternal symbol of struggle and hope for the warrior’s return to his homeland.

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Historical Significance of UGVR

The Ukrainian Supreme Liberation Council (UGVR) was established on July 11-15, 1944, as the supreme political body coordinating the Ukrainian national liberation movement. Its head was Kyrylo Osmak, while actual leadership was carried out by Roman Shukhevych. UGVR proclaimed itself "the supreme body of the Ukrainian people in its revolutionary-liberation struggle," laying the foundation for the political unification of all Ukrainian patriotic forces.

"UGVR is not a political organization that will compete with others. It is not a party organ of the people, but its task is to coordinate existing groups in the struggle for statehood." (From the resolution of the 1st Grand Assembly of UGVR)

Additional Issues Related to UGVR

1956 – A Block for the 10th anniversary of UGVR, created based on a woodcut by M. Bilynskyi.

• Format: 114 × 64 mm

• Denominations: 40 and 60 shahs

• Circulation: 500 pcs.

• The block contains two stamps affixed and canceled with a special postmark.

1959 – A commemorative sticker block for the 15th anniversary of UGVR.

• Circulation: 300 copies.

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Artistic and Historical Value of the Series

The "Ukrainian Supreme Liberation Council" stamp series is not only a philatelic rarity but also an important historical testament to the struggle of Ukrainians for independence. Its vibrant design, rich in symbolism, conveys the spirit of resistance, hope, and invincibility. Representations of the stamp, as well as postage stamps of the war period, are of great value to collectors and history buffs.

Stamps are part of the Underground Post of Ukraine’s philatelic issues, holding immense historical and artistic value. They not only commemorate the anniversary of UGVR but also continue to remind the world of the Ukrainian people's aspiration for freedom and statehood