'Z' Symbol

The Latin alphabet letter “Z” is a symbol that, since 2022, has become used in support of Russia and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

The “Z” first appeared painted on Russian military vehicles in advance of the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, along with other Latin alphabet letters like the letter “V” (“Z” and “V” are not characters in the Russian alphabet) and subsequently during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The “Z” subsequently became a symbol popularly used in Russia and by pro-Russian supporters in other countries expressing support for Russia and its invasion. The symbol appears in visual as well as text communication, including by substituting the letter “Z” for the Russian letter “З” in phrases (e.g., “Zа подеду” instead of “За подеду”, meaning “for victory”). It has appeared in communications from Russian far-right groups participating in the invasion as well as supporters of these far-right groups.

The “Z” symbol’s use as a pro-Russian symbol has been made illegal and punishable in several countries since 2022, including Germany and Poland.

Given the letter’s common use in contemporary communications (e.g., commercial branding) around the world, its use should always be carefully identified and evaluated in context.