This flag is a former version of Russia.
Tricolour first raised
A white-blue-red flag bearing a golden double-headed eagle was first raised aboard the yacht Saint Peter.
Tricolour adopted as civil ensign
Peter the Great decreed the white-blue-red tricolour as the commercial maritime flag for Russian merchant vessels.
Imperial state flag adopted
A black-yellow-white tricolour became the official state flag, while the white-blue-red flag remained in use for merchant ships and private citizens.
Tricolour authorized on land
Alexander III authorized the white-blue-red flag for decorating buildings during public festivities.
Tricolour restored as national flag
An imperial order designated the white-blue-red tricolour as Russia’s sole national flag.
Wartime variant introduced
A private-use wartime variant added the imperial coat of arms on a yellow canton.
Tricolour displaced after revolution
The Provisional Government retained the tricolour until the October Revolution, after which it was abolished.
Version from 1918This flag
The RSFSR flag was red, with the republic’s name inscribed in gold near the hoist.
