What Is The Meaning Of The "Z" Symbol On Russian Military Vehicles?

Since the Ukraine war began 13 days ago, these vehicles are roaming around near Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities sporting a “Z” marking painted on their sides

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

What is the meaning of the "Z" symbol?

According to Galina Starovoitova Fellow Kamil Galeev "Some interpret "Z" as "Za pobedy" (for victory). Others - as "Zapad" (West),”

Symbol of Russian identity 

“This symbol invented just a few days ago became a symbol of new Russian ideology and national identity,” he added.

When the symbol was first spotted?

The "Z" symbol was first spotted on February 22. It also appeared on vehicles in Crimea, when it was annexed by Russia in 2014, according to The Independent.

Other symbols apart from Z

Other symbols painted on the Russian military vehicles are a triangle with two lines , a circle with three dots and a large triangle with a smaller triangle.

Russian Gymnast wore the symbol

Russian athlete Ivan Kuliak wearing the Z Symbol went viral after he went on stage to collect his bronze medal which he won at the recent World Cup event in Doha