The
war in Ukraine continues to disrupt normal life. Since February 24, when Russia
invaded neighbouring Ukraine, Russian tanks and military vehicles have become
commonplace. The military vehicles are roaming around Ukrainian cities with the
“Z” mark painted on their body.

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Since
these “Z” marked vehicles were spotted, they became viral on social media. Many people, particularly those supporting Russia, have been found wearing them
on t-shirts too.

On
Saturday, Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak sparked outrage by sporting a ‘Z’ symbol
on his sports vest and now faces “disciplinary proceedings” from the
International Gymnastics Federation, which does not allow political symbols at
sporting events.

So,
what is this “Z” symbol?

According
to Galina Starovoitova Fellow Kamil Galeev, “Z” is a letter that the
Russian Military is painting on its military vehicles in Ukraine. “Some
interpreted “Z” as “Za pobedy” (for victory). Others – as
“Zapad” (West),” the scholar said on Twitter.

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

As
it became popular, many Russian civilians and business owners also started
putting “Z” on their cars making it a trend.

Why are Russian vehicles using
“Z” symbol?

Observers
said that this is a trend to identify Russia’s own vehicles in Ukraine and to avoid any confusion.

Also Read: Russia-Ukraine War: What to know as Ukraine resists advance

Prominent
markings on invasion force vehicles are not uncommon throughout military
history. In addition to the Allied Star, forces in Normandy painted black and
white stripes on the wings of their aircraft.

The
reason for this is that in 1943, during the allied invasion of Sicily, American
ground forces shot down more than 20 troop cargo planes that were mistaken for
German aircraft, killing nearly 100 men.

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Last
month, Professor Michael Clarke, former director of the defence think tank
RUSI, told Sky News that these symbols are being used as a communication tool.

The
“Z” symbol was first spotted on February 22, on Russian vehicles that
entered the Donetsk region.  In 2014, the
“Z” symbol appeared on vehicles in Crimea, when Russia annexed the
Ukrainian province.

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Apart
from “Z”, other symbols painted on the Russian military vehicles are
a triangle with two lines on either side, a circle with three dots inside and a
large triangle with a smaller triangle inside.

Russian
military officials have officially not said anything about the symbols.