Vladimir Putin has signed a law officially enshrining the image of crosses on the national coat of arms of Russia.

The President signed a law detailing the appearance of the national emblem. The document clearly states that the small crowns, the large crown and the orb on the coat of arms are crowned with straight equilateral four-pointed crosses.

In the explanatory note to the draft law, it was noted that in practice there were cases of removing or replacing crosses with other elements. The decree aims to standardize the image of the coat of arms in all official cases of its use.

For context there have been many public scandals related to the removal of crosses and or other religions images for unknown reasons on government designs. The removal of crosses from an upcoming new ruble bill, caused national outrage. This law was enacted to confirm that the crosses must stay.