Moscow, August 22, 2026 — The Europe Today: Russia is marking National Flag Day on August 22, commemorating one of the country’s official state symbols and a representation of its sovereignty, independence and national unity.
National Flag Day was established by a Presidential Decree in 1994. Alongside the national emblem and anthem, the Russian tricolour is regarded as an important symbol of the continuity of generations and the multinational character of the Russian people.
The Russian flag has a history spanning more than three centuries. In 1693, Peter the Great raised the white, blue and red tricolour as his personal standard in Arkhangelsk. In 1705, he ordered the flag to be flown on Russian merchant ships.
The tricolour subsequently became associated with Russia’s territorial expansion and statehood. In 1806, during a Russian expedition to the coast of southern Sakhalin, the St Andrew’s Flag and the white-blue-red flag were raised, with the latter symbolising the territory’s incorporation into the Russian state.
The tricolour was formally adopted as Russia’s national flag in 1896, ahead of the coronation of Emperor Nicholas II.
A key modern milestone came on December 25, 2000, when the Federal Constitutional Law “On the State Flag of the Russian Federation” was adopted. Under the law, the State Flag is a rectangular cloth consisting of three equal horizontal stripes: white at the top, blue in the middle and red at the bottom.
In contemporary Russia, the national flag continues to be presented as a symbol of unity, national identity and the country’s future. Russian authorities also highlight its use by servicemen in areas of military operations and in settlements where Russian forces have established control.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin has described the national flag as a symbol of unity, emphasizing Russia’s historical and civilizational continuity.
He has expressed confidence that the national flag will continue to inspire the Russian people to move forward and uphold the country’s national achievements and prestige.
