In Photos: Pro-Military 'Z' Symbol Permeates Russian Society
Russian soldiers, government officials and civilians have been seen displaying the letter Z as the country's war against Ukraine rages for three weeks.
The letter — which is part of the Latin alphabet, and not the Russian language's Cyrillic alphabet — first appeared painted on the sides of tanks seen headed toward the Ukrainian border.
Since then, authorities and state media have worked to appropriate Z as a symbol of support for Russia's army during what the Kremlin calls a "special military operation" in Ukraine — despite no one really knowing what the letter actually stands for.
Here's a look at how the letter is appearing across the country:
The letter — which is part of the Latin alphabet, and not the Russian language's Cyrillic alphabet — first appeared painted on the sides of tanks seen headed toward the Ukrainian border.
Since then, authorities and state media have worked to appropriate Z as a symbol of support for Russia's army during what the Kremlin calls a "special military operation" in Ukraine — despite no one really knowing what the letter actually stands for.
Here's a look at how the letter is appearing across the country:
Russian soldiers ride in a truck to the Perekop checkpoint on the Ukrainian border.
Sergei Malgavko / TASS
At a car rally in support of the Russian Armed Forces, some vehicles were emblazoned with Z symbols.
Nikolai Khizhnyak / TASS
Patients at a children's hospice in Kazan were lined up in a Z shape.
tatar-inform.ru
Vehicles parked to form the word Za (for) in support of the Russian Armed Forces and President Vladimir Putin in the rural town of Zuya in annexed Crimea.
t.me/autopartner
A law enforcement officer guards central Moscow's Manezhnaya Square during an anti-war protest.
Vyacheslav Prokofyev / TASS
Civilians form a 'Z' sign during a flash mob in support of Russian soldiers in Zhukov Victory Park in the Siberian city of Kemerovo.
Danil Aikin / TASS
Russian State Duma lawmaker Sergei Mironov.
duma.gov.ru
Maria Butina, a member of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, is seen wearing a shirt emblazoned with the letter Z.
duma.gov.ru
A Z-badge on the black-orange ribbon of St. George is seen during an event titled "For Peace! In Support of the President!" held at the Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center.
Sergei Savostyanov / TASS
The People's Militia of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic in a combat zone outside the city of Popasna.
Alexander Reka / TASS
