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# The Evolution of the Russian Flag, 1668 to 1991
- URL: https://theparnassian.com/en/evoliutsiia-rossiiskogo-flaga-s-1668-po-1991-god/
- Published: 2025-08-22T14:19:27.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-01T05:29:00.000Z
- Author: Alexandr Radayev
- Tags: Archive, Monarchies, Society

**1668**  
A white-blue-red flag is raised on the first Russian warship, the *Oryol* (“Eagle”), by decree of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. It served as a naval flag, but did not yet have the status of a state flag.

**1693**  
Peter I raises the white-blue-red tricolour for the first time on his ship at Arkhangelsk. From this time it becomes fixed to the Russian fleet.

**1705**  
Decree of Peter I: the white-blue-red flag becomes mandatory on all Russian merchant vessels.

**1712**  
The Saint Andrew's flag is introduced for the navy, replacing the tricolour on warships.

**1858**  
By decree of Alexander II, the black-yellow-white (imperial) flag is approved.

**1883**  
Alexander III permits the white-blue-red tricolour to be used once more alongside the imperial flag.

**1918**  
After the revolution the tricolour is abolished. The red flag of the RSFSR is introduced, with the golden letters “RSFSR” in the upper left corner.

**1954**  
A new RSFSR flag is approved: a red cloth with a light blue stripe by the hoist and a golden hammer and sickle with a star.

**1991**  
After the August coup, the white-blue-red tricolour is restored as the state flag of the RSFSR, and subsequently of the Russian Federation.