Flag of Ukraine

The Ukrainian flag, known as the “blue and yellow flag,” is the official symbol of independent Ukraine. It consists of two horizontal stripes of equal width: blue (top) and yellow (bottom). These colors have a deep historical meaning associated with Ukraine’s natural resources, cultural heritage, and desire for freedom.

History of the Ukrainian flag

The blue and yellow colors appeared in the times of Kievan Rus and for centuries were present in heraldry, Cossack flags and symbols of Ukrainian state entities.

Origin of colors

• Blue and yellow colors were first used in the coats of arms and symbols of the principalities of Kievan Rus. Blue was associated with the sky and water, and yellow with the sun and wealth.
• In Cossack times (XVII-XVIII centuries), these colors often appeared on the banners, clothing, and coats of arms of the Zaporizhzhian Sich.
• In the nineteenth century, the blue and yellow flag became a symbol of the Ukrainian national revival. It was used as a sign of identity during the struggle for national rights.

Official recognition

• During the Ukrainian People’s Republic (1917-1921), the blue and yellow flag was officially recognized as a state symbol.
• During the Soviet period, the flag was banned, but remained a symbol of Ukrainian resistance and the struggle for independence.
• In 1991, after the declaration of Ukraine’s independence, the Verkhovna Rada officially approved the blue and yellow flag as the national flag of Ukraine.

Colors of the Ukrainian flag

Meaning of the colors

The Ukrainian flag symbolizes the natural and spiritual wealth of the country:

1. Blue:
   • Represents the peaceful and clear sky over Ukraine.
   • It symbolizes peace, harmony and freedom.
2. Yellow:
   • Symbolizes wheat fields, which are associated with wealth and labor.
   • It represents warmth, light and prosperity.

Together, these colors create an image of endless wheat fields under a peaceful blue sky, which has become one of the most famous symbols of Ukraine.

Color codes

To ensure the accuracy of the flag, the colors in different systems are officially approved.

1. Blue:
   • RGB: (0, 87, 183)
   • HEX: #0057B7
   • CMYK: (100, 76, 0, 28)
   • Pantone: 2935 C
2. Yellow:
   • RGB: (255, 215, 0)
   • HEX: #FFD700
   • CMYK: (0, 16, 100, 0)
   • Pantone: 109 C

Format and proportions

The Ukrainian flag has a simple but recognizable design.

Flag proportions

The proportions of the flag are 2:3. This means that the height of the flag is two-thirds of its width.

The arrangement of the stripes

The flag consists of two horizontal stripes:

1. The upper stripe is blue.
2. The lower stripe is yellow.

In the case of vertical arrangement, the blue stripe should be on the left or top.

Interesting facts about the flag of Ukraine

1. The Day of the National Flag of Ukraine is officially celebrated annually on August 23, the eve of Independence Day.
2. The blue and yellow colors have become an integral part of the national identity of Ukrainians and are a symbol of unity, struggle, and the desire for freedom.
3. In 2014, the blue and yellow flag became a symbol of the Revolution of Dignity and the struggle for Ukraine’s European future.

The Ukrainian flag represents wealth, peace and hope. It has become not only a national symbol, but also a sign of the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom and independence. The blue and yellow flag proudly flies on government buildings, city streets and in the hearts of millions of Ukrainians around the world.