DODIK CONGRATULATES RUSSIAN PEOPLE ON NATIONAL FLAG DAY

BANJA LUKA, AUGUST 22 /SRNA/ — President Milorad Dodik congratulated the Russian people and the leadership of the Russian Federation on , stressing that Republika Srpska does not forget that Russia stood by the Serbian people many times when it was most needed.

"For centuries, the Serbian and Russian peoples have been connected by friendship, shared faith, closeness and mutual respect. Russia has stood by the Serbian people many times when it was most needed, and Republika Srpska does not forget that," Dodik said.

He stressed that Russia’s white-blue-red tricolor has a history spanning more than three centuries and today represents one of the most important symbols of Russian statehood, tradition and national pride.

"May it fly proudly as a symbol of Russia's freedom, unity and strength. Happy National Flag Day!" Dodik said in a message posted on the social media platform X.

National Flag Day of the Russian Federation was established in 1994 by a presidential decree, commemorating events in August 1991 when the white-blue-red tricolor was officially restored as the country's national symbol.

The tricolor was introduced in the 18th century by Tsar Peter the Great for Russian merchant ships.