Ukraine War: Is 'Z' the new Swastika? How the letter became symbol of Russian war

Is "Z" mark the new Swastika?

A Russian gymnast shocked the world by wearing "Z" on his T-shirt on the podium next to a Ukrainian rival in Qatar.

The symbol has found many supporters. Many Russian civilians and business owners are putting “Z” on their cars without being forced.

Social media is full of the images of the white emblem. Many protesters, particularly those supporting Russia, have been found wearing them on t-shirts too.

Some Russians, however, have ridiculed Z. During Sunday’s countrywide rallies against Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, some protesters were seen holding signs with the word Zachem (For what?).

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The Z symbol has been sweeping the social media since Russia invaded Ukraine. What does "Z" mean?

Open source analysts and military experts first spotted the mysterious Z-shaped letter hand-painted on Russian tanks and military trucks massed on the Ukrainian border on 19 February.

Since Russia's invasion, vehicles have also been spotted near Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities sporting a “Z” marking painted on their sides. "Z" has suddenly has become a mark of Russian aggression.

The most popular theory used by military experts to explain the letters is that they were written according to the respective areas where the Russian troops are usually stationed, with Z potentially standing for Zapad (west).

The Russian defense ministry itself has not commented on any of the theories, and instead posted on its Instagram channel that Z meant Za pobedu (“for victory”).

Other observers said that these markings act as signals to fellow Russians to identify their own vehicles in the warzone and avoid friendly fire.

According to some reports, the "Z" symbol also appeared on vehicles in Crimea, when it was annexed by Russia in 2014.

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