When was 'Z' symbol first spotted on Russia's military gear? How it became pro-war symbol?

Russia-Ukraine war, latest blow to an already unstable world amid COVID-19, has w lasted for 14 days with tanks and Russian vehicles becoming a common sight in war-ravd Ukraine. However, se military vehicles were seen sporting a “Z” symbol painted on sides as y roamed in major Ukrainian cities. A flurry of ims also emerged on social media showing ‘Z’ symbol painted with white on green coloured Russian tanks. Furrmore, mark has raised speculations of being pro-war symbol because it was also seen particularly among ones who are supporting Russia’s invasion into Ukraine. 

When 'Z' symbol was first spotted?

According to Guardian, open-source analysts and military experts first spotted mysterious Z-shaped thick brushstroke on Russian tanks and military trucks massed on Ukrainian border on 19 February. At time, days before Russian President Vladimir Putin officially anunced ‘special’ military operation in Ukraine saying that it would demilitarise Kyiv. However, mark since late February triggered widespread speculation among western experts about actual meaning of ‘Z’ letter in Russia-Ukraine war. 

While ‘Z’ symbol is most spotted symbol on Russian tanks, or letters were seen emblazoned on military hardware used by Russia in its invasion including O, X, A and V. se letters were mostly framed by squares, triangles and or such shapes. It is also pertinent to te that as a letter, Z does t exist in Cyrillic Russian alphabet but a letter resembling figure 3 represents “z” sound. 

What is meaning of ‘Z’ symbol?

According to Kamil Galeev, who is an independent researcher and former fellow at a n-partisan policy think tank named Wilson Center, “Z” could be interpreted as “Za pobedy” which is Russian for “for victory” or as “Zapad” for “West”. CNN separately stated that digital sleuths have suggested that “Z” might stand for Russia’s self-styled “target number one” which is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. 

Aric Toler, a researcher with Bellingcat, an open-source investigative operation tracking Russian military for eight years, said on 20 February that group had idea what “Z” symbol meant and had t seen it used ever before. Toler said on Twitter, “So, assume worst, I guess/fear”.

How did ‘Z’ become a pro-war symbol?

However, in days that followed experts first spotted ‘Z’ symbol, mysterious sign emerged as a sign popular among people backing war. Especially after Putin’s 24 February anuncement which led to Russian military’s onslaught on Ukraine, symbol gained popularity. CNN stated that analysts have described popularity of ‘Z’ symbol as unfurling of a chilling new nationalist movement. 

As per reports, Russians have daubed ‘Z’ on ir vehicles, sported black clothing with same symbol emblazoned in white. Some of m were fashioning makeshift “Z” brooches on lapels. All this has indicated some kind of popular support for Putin and his efforts to expand Moscow’s influence by capturing Ukraine. In a thread on Twitter, Galeev had even said Russian authorities “launched a propaganda campaign to gain popular support for ir invasion of Ukraine and y're getting lots of it.”

West including United States has also accused Russia of propaganda to justify its invasion into Ukraine. In 14 days of Russia-Ukraine war, ‘Z’ symbol has gone significantly from just a military marking to main symbol of public support for Russia's military aggression in its neighbouring nation. 

Just three days after Russia invaded Ukraine, Kremlin-funded state network RT had anunced on social media channels that it was shelling ‘Z’ merchandise including T-shirts and hoodies to back Russian troops. As per Guardian, letter has been painted on large Soviet-era apartment blocks and posted on street advertising signs. tably, a number of schools have also posted ims of children standing in a Z formation.

Is ‘Z’ spotted outside Russia?

Gradually, symbol has got some limited exposure outside Russia. Last week, thousands of people in Serbia waved Russian flags and carried Z letters while marching through Belgrade to Russian embassy in public support for Moscow after its invasion of Ukraine. In one of most prominent incidents involving symbol, Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak sported Z insignia as he stood next to Ukraine’s Kovtun Illia, gold medallist at a gymnastics World Cup event in Doha.

(Im: AP/Twitter)