On this picture supplied by the Russian Protection Ministry Press Service on Monday, Feb. 14, 2022, Russian tanks roll on the sphere throughout a navy drills in Leningrad area, Russia. Russian Protection Ministry Press Service through Related Press
The letter “Z” has taken on a brand new that means in the course of the struggle between Ukraine and Russia, changing into a logo of the continued pro-Russia motion internationally.
What's the letter Z on Russian tanks?
The letter “Z” has been drawing consideration ever because it was noticed scribed on the edges of 1000's of tanks and armored autos on the Russian border exterior of Ukraine, per The New York Occasions.
- The letter has been popping up in Russia, too. Russians have planted it on the again of their vehicles with stickers. Pundits put on it on T-shirts. Agymnast had it on his uniform whereas receiving a medal.
What does the letter Z imply?
Consultants informed CNN that the “Z” may imply “Za pobedy,” which is Russian for “for victory.”
- It may additionally imply “Zapad,” which implies “West.”
- There are additionally some interpretations that state “Z” stands for “Zorro Squad,” or that “Z” is perhaps a reference by Russian troopers to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in line with CNN.
- “It seems Russian forces close to the border are portray markers, on this case ‘Z’, on autos to determine totally different activity forces or echelons,” Russian protection coverage professional Rob Lee tweeted again in February.
Why does the letter Z matter for Russians?
The letter Z has grow to be a logo of help for the invasion by Russian supporters.
- “That is positively a state-induced meme,” mentioned Vasily Gatov, a Russian-American media analyst based mostly in Boston, in line with The New York Occasions. “There are all the time folks receptive to this sort of message.” He famous that there was a small military of propagandists paid to unfold the meme on social media to offer it the false look of recognition.