Russian tricolour reflects the country’s independence, state identity and historical continuity, Embassy says

ISLAMABAD, Saturday, August 22, 2026 (WNP): Russia is observing National Flag Day on Saturday, honouring one of the principal symbols of Russian state identity and a representation of the country’s sovereignty, independence and historical continuity.

The Embassy of Russia in Pakistan said the Russian flag, alongside the national emblem and national anthem, represents an important symbol of the Russian state and reflects the historical continuity of the country’s multinational people across generations.

The history of Russia’s white, blue and red tricolour dates back more than three centuries.

According to the Embassy, Peter the Great first raised the tricolour as his personal flag in Arkhangelsk in 1693. In 1705, he ordered that the white, blue and red flag be flown on Russian merchant vessels.

The flag subsequently became associated with Russia’s maritime and territorial history. By the 19th century, Russian sailors traditionally installed commemorative crosses on the shores of newly acquired territories.

A new tradition emerged in 1806, when a Russian expedition exploring the coastal area of southern Sakhalin raised two flags. The St Andrew’s flag symbolised the Russian Navy, while the white-blue-red tricolour indicated the territory’s incorporation under Russian administration.

In 1896, ahead of the coronation of Nicholas II, the tricolour was formally granted the status of Russia’s national flag.

The modern legal status and design of the Russian state flag were established through the Federal Constitutional Law “On the State Flag of the Russian Federation,” adopted on December 25, 2000.

Under the law, the state flag is rectangular and consists of three equal horizontal stripes: white at the top, blue in the middle and red at the bottom.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has described the national flag as a symbol of the unity of the country and its people.

“Russia is a thousand-year-old country and civilisation, and our national flag is a symbol of our unity,” Putin said.

He expressed confidence that the Russian flag would continue to inspire the nation to move forward, pursue its goals and further uphold the greatness and dignity of Russia.

National Flag Day serves as an occasion to honour the tricolour and its place in Russia’s state and historical identity, while highlighting the enduring significance of national symbols for the country’s multinational population.