The administration of the town of Sosnovo-Ozerskoye in Buryatia has decided to change its flag in order to avoid "discrediting the state." The settlement’s tricolor bears similarity to the banner of an organization officially prohibited in Russia. This report was published on June 20 by the Podyom media.
The white-blue-white flag of Sosnovo-Ozerskoye was officially adopted in 2011. The head of the local administration, Etigel Dondokov, explained to journalists that they had “no intention of discrediting the state or the military forces.” Nevertheless, as a precautionary measure, the authorities have decided to modify the design of the flag.
They expressed apologies for any inconvenience caused, and preparations for a new flag design are already underway.
Following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, a flag with similar colors became associated with the Russian anti-war movement, symbolizing freedom from dictatorship and repression in Russia. According to Russian authorities, the white-blue-white flag is associated with the banned organization known as the Russian Freedom Legion. Displaying this flag has led to fines being imposed on individuals.