There is no official meaning for the colors, but they are widely seen as representing the Slavic people (Pan-Slavic colors). Common interpretations suggest white for nobility, blue for honesty and loyalty, and red for courage and love.
History
The tricolor was first used by Peter the Great in 1696 after he visited the Netherlands. It served as a civil ensign for centuries before becoming the national flag of the Russian Empire and later the Russian Federation in 1991.
Construction
The flag has a 2:3 ratio and consists of three equal horizontal bands of white, blue, and red.