Tank Marked with Z Draws Attention
Usage Encouraged as Symbol of Victory
Z-Pattern T-Shirts and Packages Sold
Attached to Buildings and Vehicles for Sale
Russian Government Supporters Aim to Rally
On the 7th (local time), the 'Z' symbol displayed on a building in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The Russian government states that the Z is a symbol supporting soldiers participating in the Ukraine war and wishing for victory, recommending it be displayed not only on buildings but also on T-shirts and vehicles. Saint Petersburg (Russia) = EPA·Yonhap News Photo by EPA and Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Russian government has been promoting the 'Z' symbol, drawing attention to its background. The Russian government claims that the Z symbol, first seen on tanks and vehicles of the invading forces in Ukraine, signifies 'victory' and has actively encouraged its use across various sectors. This move is interpreted as an effort to rally support amid rising casualties among Russian troops and worsening war conditions, which have fueled growing anti-war sentiment domestically.
On the 7th (local time), Russia's state media RT announced that it is selling a package of Z-branded products, including T-shirts and hoodies featuring the Z symbol. RT emphasized, "These products represent support for the Russian military." Amid the government's vigorous promotion, the Z symbol has reportedly been displayed on buildings and vehicles in Moscow and other major cities. The Z symbol first drew attention on the 20th of last month when it appeared on tanks and vehicles of the Russian invasion forces deployed to the Ukrainian border.
A Russian gymnast participating in an international competition also sparked global controversy by wearing a T-shirt bearing the Z symbol during the awards ceremony. On the 5th, at the 2022 International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) World Cup parallel bars event held in Doha, Qatar, Russian athlete Ivan Kuliak wore a uniform with the Z symbol while receiving the bronze medal. The FIG Ethics Committee is currently investigating whether Kuliak's actions violate any rules.
Within Russia, the Z symbol is interpreted as a sign of victory. According to the British Guardian, the Russian Ministry of Defense posted on its own social media platform, "Z stands for the Russian phrase ‘Za pobedu’ meaning victory and symbolizes the power of truth."
According to CNN, Western military experts interpret the original meaning of Z as ‘Zapad,’ the Russian word for west, symbolizing the Russian invasion forces positioned to the west in Ukraine. The Z itself has become a symbol of full support for the Ukrainian invasion forces and a wish for their victory.
The reason the Russian government is creating such symbols is understood to be an attempt to prevent public dissent amid worsening war conditions. Kamil Galeev, a researcher at the Woodrow Wilson Center, a U.S. think tank, analyzed, "Russian authorities need public support for the Ukraine invasion, and the Z symbol has become a symbol of Russia's ideology and national identity. Currently, the Putin regime is strongly censoring reports on increasing Russian casualties and deteriorating war conditions, and through the Z symbol campaign, it is working to consolidate its support base."
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