Adopted for National and Civil usage on August 22nd, 1991 the Russian tricolor has been around and kicking since the end of the 17th Century, when Peter The Great adopted a variation of the Dutch tricolor for Russia's ships: a horizontal tricolor of white, blue and red that was officially recognized in 1799. The colors and the tricolor design have had a major influence on many of the flags of Eastern Europe- especially during the 19th Century when many of these countries looked to Russia to help freeing themselves from the Ottoman Empire, especially. They're now considered pan-Slavic colors.
After the Russian Revolution of 1917 all former flags of Russia were abolished and replaced with the red flag with the yellow hammer and sickle. As a Soviet Republic, Russia added a blue vertical bar near the hoist. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 all the former flags of Russia, including the present one were restored.
So slam that vodka, suck that caviar and give it up for the Russian Federation! And until next week, keep your flags flying. FREAK- or otherwise.
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