The letter Z, which first appeared on the tanks of the Russian army, is now used by the Kremlin as a symbol of support for the invasion of Ukraine.
This is a sign that many experts are trying to decipher the real message. A few days before the start of the invasion of the Russian army into Ukraine, several military vehicles that had accumulated near the border were covered with a tag with the letter “Z”.
Evolving meaning?
Since then, there has been much speculation regarding the interpretation of the message. Indeed, the letter Z is not part of the Cyrillic alphabet used by Russians. Some experts describe “Z” as meaning “For victory” or “for victory” in Russian. Others argue that “Z” can mean “West” or “West”, including in Russian.
Arik Toler, a Bellingcat researcher, explains to CNN that the letter never surfaced before the conflict in Ukraine. Russian gymnast Ivan Kulyak has recently performed at international competitions in a sports uniform with the letter “Z”. As our colleagues note, in just a few days the letter “Z” has become more popular in the Kremlin. Now it’s character making direct reference to the war in Ukrainefor show support for Russia.
Kremlin for propaganda
This new clearly a nationalist symbol promoted by the Russian government. According to American media, in Russia, several people appeared in public with this symbol on a T-shirt or car.
Let’s discuss what is happening in Russia. Simply put, it becomes complete fascism. The authorities launched a propaganda campaign to garner popular support for their invasion of Ukraine, and they are receiving it in abundance. You can see the “Z” on these guys’ clothes. What does it mean? ? pic.twitter.com/F2zjcpJCDZ
— Kamil Galeev (@kamilkazani) March 6, 2022
According to Kamil Galeev, an independent scholar and former member of the Wilson Center, “the authorities launched a propaganda campaign” to “enlist popular support for their invasion of Ukraine.” A successful Kremlin strategy that will begin to bear fruit among the Russian population.