Putin Backs Soviet Anthem, Czarist Crest

President Vladimir V. Putin wants Russia to return to the past, at least symbolically, by adopting its Soviet-era anthem and czarist-era coat of arms. After a meeting with leaders of the parliamentary political factions and the presidium of the advisory State Council, Putin sent to the Duma, the lower house of parliament, a proposed law calling for official adoption of the double-headed eagle coat of arms and the familiar white-blue-and-red flag. He also expressed support for adopting the melody of the Soviet-era anthem, a proposal that last week got initial approval in the Duma.