USSR - prison of peoples series of stamps Underground Post 1958

Series of stamps "USSR - prison of the peoples" 

This stamp series by the Ukrainian Underground Post, issued in 1958, serves as a poignant and powerful reminder of the tragic fate of nations oppressed under the Soviet Union. Designed as a propaganda release, it exposes the horrors of the Soviet system, particularly the brutality of concentration camps and mass repressions.

Artistic Design

Created by Mykola Dmytrenko, the series is deeply symbolic. The central image depicts a tortured individual who perished from exhausting labor in Soviet mines. This haunting portrayal conveys the immense pain and suffering endured by millions.

• Text on the stamps: "USSR – Prison of Nations," clearly defining the release's central theme.
• Color scheme and denominations:
  • 10 shahs: greenish stamp with a gray background.
  • 20 shahs: golden with a blue background.
  • 30 shahs: pale pink with a gray background.
  • 40 shahs: golden-orange with a gray background.

Technical Details

• Print run:
  • Perforated: 5,400 series.
  • Imperforated: 594 series.
• The stamps exhibit a restrained and somber design, underscoring the depth and seriousness of the subject matter.

Historical Context

The Soviet Union formally proclaimed the right of nations to self-determination, including the creation of independent states. However, in practice, this right was purely declarative. Any attempt to realize it led to the imprisonment, deportation, or execution of millions of people from various nationalities.

The Soviet repressive apparatus was especially cruel, deporting entire nations from their ancestral lands to remote regions of the empire. This tragedy resonates even decades after the USSR's collapse, particularly with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, continuing the imperialist policies of oppression and destruction of nations.

Symbolic Importance

This stamp series is a tragic commemoration of those tortured in Soviet camps and a warning for future generations. It honors the memory of repression victims and reminds us of the importance of fighting for freedom and independence.

The stamps "USSR – Prison of Nations" are not only an example of philatelic art but also a call to understand the profound tragedy that affected millions in the 20th century. They stand as silent witnesses to history, urging us never to forget