🇷🇺August 22 — National Flag Day of the Russian Federation The history of the Russian tricolour spans several centuries. The colours white, blue and red were already in use in the 17th century. In 1705, Peter the Great issued a decree requiring the white-blue-red flag to be flown on Russian merchant ships. On August 22, 1991, the white-blue-red tricolour was restored as an official state symbol of Russia. In 1994, by decree of the President of the Russian Federation, National Flag Day was established and has since been celebrated annually on August 22. There is no officially established interpretation of the colours today. In cultural and historical tradition, white is often associated with peace and purity, blue with loyalty and steadfastness, and red with strength and courage. The national flag brings together the country’s history and present day and remains one of its key state symbols. 🇷🇺 Happy National Flag Day of the Russian Federation!