Since the beginning of the Kremlin’s intervention in Ukraine, the letter “Z” on Russian military vehicles has become a very present symbol in public space in Russia: from cars to nail polish.
The “Z” (a letter of the Latin alphabet that does not exist in the Cyrillic used in Russia), appears in Ukraine with the aim of distinguishing Russian military units from Ukrainian ones, which use very similar equipment.
Although there are many theories about the meaning of this letter, the “Z” is now a symbol of support for the soldiers, which raises passions for and against.
But this sign to avoid friendly fire has become a symbol that is beginning to be seen on cars in Moscow, on clothing or on social media profiles. Something that the authorities seem to encourage.
In its Instagram and Telegram profiles, the Russian Ministry of Defense declines this letter in several messages: “Za Pobedu” (“For victory”), “Za Mir” (“For peace”), “Za pravdu” (“ For the truth”), “Za Rossiyu” (“For Russia”).
Among the theories that seek to explain the meaning of the “Z”, some are more prosaic, such as those who believe that it is the word “zapad”, which means “west” in Russian, in reference to the armed forces of the western district from the country.
For others, it is the first letter of the surname of the Ukrainian president, Volodimir Zelensky.
“RoskomnadZor”
From politicians to celebrities, it has become normal in Russia to show a “Z” in support of the Kremlin.
A few days ago, 20-year-old Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak wore a “Z” engraved on his clothing as he stepped onto the third-place podium at the Gymnastics World Cup in Qatar. Next to him, in the first drawer, a Ukrainian athlete.
The International Gymnastics Federation demanded that “a disciplinary process be opened against Kuliak for his disruptive behavior.” Kulyak responded to the Russian media that he would do “the same thing” again: “I wanted to show my position. As an athlete, I always fight for victory and I will act for peace.”
Local media published a photo taken from above in which some 60 sick minors and their caregivers form a “Z” in the courtyard of a hospital in Kazan (in the southwest).
Roskomnadzor, the Russian media regulator, wrote its name on Telegram with a capital “Z”: “RoskomnadZor.”
In many Russian regions (even in the most isolated ones) the expressions of support for the operation in Ukraine are multiplying, with messages such as “We will not abandon our own”, choirs of women who wear the “Z” on their chest, taxis with the “Z” painted on the window and cars parked in a “Z” shape.
A resident of Donetsk, a pro-Russian separatist city in eastern Ukraine, posted on her Instagram a photo of her fingernails painted with a white “Z” on a black background.
In Barnul (central-southern Russia) they unfurled a huge “Z” in the snow, with the colors of the Saint George ribbon, orange and red, a Russian military symbol.
There are also those who smelled the commercial opportunity and T-shirts with the “Z” are already being sold online.
On the other hand, opponents of military intervention have a harder time displaying their symbols in public space, even when there are small demonstrations every day (despite being prohibited).
The walls of Moscow appear from time to time covered with messages of peace, but it does not take long for them to be erased.
Source: Gestion
Ricardo is a renowned author and journalist, known for his exceptional writing on top-news stories. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he is known for his ability to deliver breaking news and insightful analysis on the most pressing issues of the day.
