What is this so mysterious "Z"?

Since the beginning of the Russian intervention in Ukraine, the last letter of the alphabet, inscribed on the tanks of Moscow, has appeared in the public space in Russia.

On cars, an athlete's torso and even on women's nail polish, the "Z" is everywhere.

A "Z" of support

If several theories exist on its meaning, one thing is certain: it is a symbol of support for the Russian army, the appearance of which crystallizes passions, for or against.

The "Z", a Latin letter, not a Cyrillic one, first surfaced as a paint on Russian armor advancing towards or into Ukraine, possibly to distinguish them from similar Ukrainian equipment and avoid friendly fire.

A "Z" of recognition

But the sign of recognition quickly became a symbol, spreading on cars in the streets of Moscow, on clothes or on the profiles of Russians on social networks.

And the authorities seem to want to encourage the phenomenon.

On its Instagram and Telegram pages, the Russian Ministry of Defense declines the letter in several messages: “Za Pobedu” (“for victory”), “Za Mi r” (“for peace”), “Za pravdu” ( “for the truth”) or “Za Rossiïou” (“for Russia”).

A "Z" of belonging

Local media also published a photo taken from the sky of about sixty sick children, their families and caregivers forming a "Z" in the snowy courtyard of their hospice located in Kazan, Tatarstan.

A few days later, 20-year-old Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak stepped onto the third step of the Gymnastics World Cup podium in Doha, Qatar, with a “Z” affixed to his chest.

Beside, on the first step, a Ukrainian athlete.

The International Gymnastics Federation responded by calling for "the opening of disciplinary proceedings against Kuliak for his shocking behavior".

A “Z” of propaganda

In the camp of opponents to military intervention, the symbols are less visible in the public space, even if small demonstrations take place daily despite the ban.

Pacifist slogans are sometimes painted on walls in Moscow.

But they are quickly erased.

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