The Red and Black Flag of Ukraine: Blood, Soil, and Resistance

If you have seen news footage from Kyiv or attended a pro-Ukraine rally, you’ve likely noticed a striking red and black flag flying alongside the blue and yellow national banner. While the blue and yellow represents the state, the red and black flag—often called the "Revolutionary Flag"—carries a deeper, more visceral symbolism of struggle.

In this publication, we explore the origins, history, and modern significance of this powerful emblem.

1. What Does the Red and Black Flag Represent?

The most common interpretation of the colors is rooted in the physical reality of the Ukrainian struggle for independence:

1. Red: Symbolizes the blood shed by generations of Ukrainian heroes in their fight for freedom.
2. Black: Symbolizes the fertile black soil (chernozem) of Ukraine, which the people defend.

A popular poetic interpretation often shared by soldiers is that the flag is simply the blue and yellow national flag stained by blood. When blood spills onto the blue sky and yellow fields, the colors transform into red and black.

2. Historical Origins: From Cossacks to the UPA

The red and black color scheme is not a modern invention; it has been part of Ukrainian "genetic code" for centuries.

The Zaporozhian Cossacks

Historians point to the famous 19th-century painting by Ilya Repin, Reply of the Zaporozhian Cossacks, which depicts red and black spear shafts. These colors were frequently used in Cossack clothing, embroidery, and military banners as early as the 16th century.

The OUN-UPA (1940s)

The flag gained its modern political identity in 1941 when it was adopted by the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN-B) under Stepan Bandera. It later became the battle flag of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a paramilitary group that fought for an independent Ukrainian state against both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union during World War II.

3. The Red and Black Flag in Modern Ukraine

Today, the red and black flag has transcended its 1940s origins to become a broader symbol of national resistance.

1. The Maidan Revolution (2014): The flag became a staple of the Revolution of Dignity, symbolizing a readiness to fight for democratic values and European integration.
2. The Full-Scale Invasion (2022–2026): Since the start of the full-scale war, many military units have adopted the red and black colors in their patches and insignia. For modern Ukrainians, it represents the "War Flag"—a sign that the nation is in a state of active defense.

4. Why is the Flag Controversial?

Like many historical symbols, the red and black flag is viewed differently depending on the perspective:

1. In Ukraine: It is widely seen as a symbol of patriotism, decolonization, and the refusal to surrender.
2. Russian Propaganda: The Kremlin frequently uses the flag to label Ukrainians as "neo-Nazis," intentionally ignoring its primary role as a symbol of anti-Soviet and anti-imperial resistance.
3. International View: Some neighboring countries, particularly Poland, have historical sensitivities regarding the UPA's actions in the 1940s, leading to occasional diplomatic debates over the flag's use.

F.A.Q. about the Red and Black Flag

1. Is the red and black flag illegal in Ukraine?

No. While it is not the official state flag, it is perfectly legal and highly respected. Many local city councils in Ukraine even vote to fly it alongside the national flag on specific commemorative holidays.

1. Does it have anything to do with Anarchism?

No. While anarchists also use a red and black flag (usually bisected diagonally), the Ukrainian flag is bisected horizontally. The two have completely different historical and ideological origins.

1. Why do soldiers wear red and black patches?

It signals that the wearer is part of the "fighting" tradition of Ukraine. It is a sign of being a defender who is willing to give their life for the land.

1. Is it called the "Bandera Flag"?

Informally, yes, some call it the "Banderivskyi" flag because of its adoption by the OUN-B. However, for most modern Ukrainians, it represents the UPA (Insurgent Army) rather than one specific individual.

1. Can I fly this flag to support Ukraine?

Yes. Flying this flag is seen as a sign of strong support for Ukraine's right to defend itself and its sovereignty.