April 12, 2022

A Nation's Symbol: the Flag of Ukraine


A Nation's Symbol: the Flag of Ukraine
Solidarity with Ukraine. Pexels, Nataliia Pugach. 

One of a nation’s most vital symbols of patriotism is its flag, and with Ukraine's minimalist bicolor unfurling across the globe in a demonstration of solidarity, its origins are worth exploring.

To do this, it is important to know the history that created it. In other words, how did the bicolor flag of blue and yellow that represents Ukraine today come to be what it is today?

The first documented flag in Ukraine using blue and yellow appeared in 1410. Described by Jan Dlugosz, a Polish chronicler, the flag of 1410 was the flag of Lviv's land and was used in the Battle of Tannenberg.

The 1410 Flag of Lviv Land
The 1410 Flag of Lviv's land. Wikimedia Commons, Alex Tora.

The next major development of the flag appeared in 1649 and was used until 1764. The flag was known as the flag of arms of the Cossack Hetmanate, a Ukrainian Cossack state that occupied what is currently central Ukraine.

The Flag of Arms of the Cossack Hetmenate
Flag of Arms of the Cossack Hetmanate (1649–1764). Wikimedia Commons, Alex Tora.

On April 22, 1848, the Ukrainian flag that we know today first appeared. The yellow and blue horizontal bicolor became the national flag when it was adopted by the Main Ruthenian Council. The flag became a stronger symbol of the Ukrainian people during the fight for independence in 1917. The bicolor flag was flown on Ukrainian soil for the first time on March 29, 1917, in Kyiv. Shortly after, on April 1a mass demonstration of approximately 100,000 people displayed over 300 of the flags. On May 18, 1917, the flag flew at the First Ukrainian Military Congress.

The Official Flag of the Ukrainian's People Republic
The Official Flag of the Ukrainian's People Republic, adopted March 22, 1918. Wikimedia Commons, Pilgrim Whynot.

This design was officially adopted as the flag of the Ukrainian People’s Republic on March 22, 1918.

During the time of Soviet Ukraine, between 1922 and 1991, the previous flag of the Ukrainian People’s Republic was banned. Anyone that displayed the flag adopted in 1918 would be accused of anti-Soviet propaganda. The flag that came to be during Soviet rule was adopted as the flag of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic on March 10, 1919. The flag changed appearance slightly until the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, but all echo the flag of the USSR, with red being the main color. Below are some examples of the flags used within Soviet Ukraine:

Soviet Ukraine Flag used from 1949-1991
The Flag of the Ukrainian People's Republic (1949–1991). Wikimedia Commons, Ericmetro.
The Soviet Ukraine Flag of 1937-1949
The Flag of the Ukrainian People's Republic of Soviets (1937–1949). Wikimedia Commons, SeNeKa.
The Flag of the Ukrainian People's Republic of Soviets
The Flag of the Ukrainian People's Republic of Soviets (1917–1918). Wikimedia Commons, Gauravjuvekar.

Following the 1991 breakup of the Soviet Union, Ukraine regained its identity. In an urgency to claim independence, demonstrations were often held in Kyiv and western Ukraine using the bicolor yellow and blue flag, once adopted as the flag of the Ukrainian People’s Republic.

Following Ukrainian independence gained on August 24, 1991, the Ukrainian flag was officially adopted in 1992, alongside other patriotic holidays and customs for the new nation.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Ukraininan flag has become famous the world over as a symbol of resistance. Many cities and nations across the world have displayed light shows on major monuments that represent the Ukrainian flag since the invasion began. Many government leaders and politicians have also been seen wearing small Ukrainian flags, showing support for the nation and its people.

You Might Also Like

Celebrities Standing With Ukraine
  • March 26, 2022

Celebrities Standing With Ukraine

Celebrity couple Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis are being praised for raising over $35 million for Ukrainian refugees. 
Ukrainians Liberate a Mansion
  • March 23, 2022

Ukrainians Liberate a Mansion

"This property has been liberated." – A banner hanging from a Russian oligarch's mansion taken over by Ukrainian Refugees
A Prayer for Ukraine
  • March 08, 2022

A Prayer for Ukraine

In 2014, Ukrainian composer Valentin Silvestrov wrote this beautiful short orchestral work, "Prayer for Ukraine." A German orchestra is sharing it as a symphonic symbol of solidarity and hope.
Blue and Yellow Lights
  • March 11, 2022

Blue and Yellow Lights

Many famous landmarks across the globe have been illuminated with blue and yellow lights, showing solidarity with Ukraine. 
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of Our Books

Russian Rules

Russian Rules

From the shores of the White Sea to Moscow and the Northern Caucasus, Russian Rules is a high-speed thriller based on actual events, terrifying possibilities, and some really stupid decisions.
Okudzhava Bilingual

Okudzhava Bilingual

Poems, songs and autobiographical sketches by Bulat Okudzhava, the king of the Russian bards. 
White Magic

White Magic

The thirteen tales in this volume – all written by Russian émigrés, writers who fled their native country in the early twentieth century – contain a fair dose of magic and mysticism, of terror and the supernatural. There are Petersburg revenants, grief-stricken avengers, Lithuanian vampires, flying skeletons, murders and duels, and even a ghostly Edgar Allen Poe.
The Little Humpbacked Horse (bilingual)

The Little Humpbacked Horse (bilingual)

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.
Stargorod: A Novel in Many Voices

Stargorod: A Novel in Many Voices

Stargorod is a mid-sized provincial city that exists only in Russian metaphorical space. It has its roots in Gogol, and Ilf and Petrov, and is a place far from Moscow, but close to Russian hearts. It is a place of mystery and normality, of provincial innocence and Black Earth wisdom. Strange, inexplicable things happen in Stargorod. So do good things. And bad things. A lot like life everywhere, one might say. Only with a heavy dose of vodka, longing and mystery.
93 Untranslatable Russian Words

93 Untranslatable Russian Words

Every language has concepts, ideas, words and idioms that are nearly impossible to translate into another language. This book looks at nearly 100 such Russian words and offers paths to their understanding and translation by way of examples from literature and everyday life. Difficult to translate words and concepts are introduced with dictionary definitions, then elucidated with citations from literature, speech and prose, helping the student of Russian comprehend the word/concept in context.
The Samovar Murders

The Samovar Murders

The murder of a poet is always more than a murder. When a famous writer is brutally stabbed on the campus of Moscow’s Lumumba University, the son of a recently deposed African president confesses, and the case assumes political implications that no one wants any part of.
Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

In this comprehensive, quixotic and addictive book, Edwin Trommelen explores all facets of the Russian obsession with vodka. Peering chiefly through the lenses of history and literature, Trommelen offers up an appropriately complex, rich and bittersweet portrait, based on great respect for Russian culture.
Steppe / Степь (bilingual)

Steppe / Степь (bilingual)

This is the work that made Chekhov, launching his career as a writer and playwright of national and international renown. Retranslated and updated, this new bilingual edition is a super way to improve your Russian.
The Little Golden Calf

The Little Golden Calf

Our edition of The Little Golden Calf, one of the greatest Russian satires ever, is the first new translation of this classic novel in nearly fifty years. It is also the first unabridged, uncensored English translation ever, and is 100% true to the original 1931 serial publication in the Russian journal 30 Dnei. Anne O. Fisher’s translation is copiously annotated, and includes an introduction by Alexandra Ilf, the daughter of one of the book’s two co-authors.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955