Letter "Z" Have Become Russian Pro-War Symbol

[RAMROD 117,268]

Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak is facing disciplinary proceedings by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) for displaying the letter "Z" on the podium next to a Ukrainian rival in Qatar. But what does the symbol mean?

In Russia, the "Z" is fast becoming seen as a staunchly pro-war symbol of President Putin's invasion of Ukraine. It has been sported by politicians, seen on the sides of cars, vans and advertising hoardings - as well as daubed on bus shelters. It has even been used by Serbs at pro-Russian demonstration in Belgrade. Photographs have been widely shared on social media.

 

While zed in the Russian Cyrillic alphabet is written differently - and looks like a 3 - most Russians recognise Latin letters. Emily Ferris, Research Fellow Russia and Eurasia at RUSI, says the "Z" is a powerful and easily recognisable symbol.

"Often with propaganda the simplest things catch on the quickest," she says. "It looks rather intimidating and quite stark. From an aesthetic perspective, it's a very powerful symbol."

 

It has taken less than a fortnight for the "Z" to spread among those supportive of President Putin's invasion.

In the central Russian city of Kazan, about 60 children and staff at a hospice were photographed outside in the snow forming a giant "Z" in front of their building.

 

Full article:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60644832

[Lucas 31,265]

dvmbass kid with his proud face, I hope his career is over after it

[PartySick 172,977]

Brb, replacing every "z" with "x"

[CautiousLurker 19,725]

1 minute ago, PartySick said:

Brb, replacing every "z" with "x"

xaddy 

[Mister G 10,512]

Z is officially canceled.

[TheOriginalOne 11,605]

What a shame. My favorite letter in the alphabet has been ruined smh. I have to change my last name now 

[FATCAT 60,896]

Z is the new Q in right-wing spaces. The new nazi symbol for them to rally around before they get their asses kicked.

[holy scheisse 22,959]

Little zonsters can rot 

[Hebi 13,928]

8 minutes ago, Mister G said:

Z is officially canceled.

thank Goodness Gags has no songs with the letter z 

[TaylorSwift 162,690]

5 minutes ago, Lucas said:

dvmbass kid with his proud face, I hope his career is over after it

he will be investigated by International Gymnastics Federation
source

this is what Russia's national team coordinator (Valentina Rodionenko) said about it:
"You know, he didn’t ask us for advice. It was definitely his own initiative. Our guys are Russian patriots," 
"I guess this thing [patriotism] affected him and he did not let us know. I think that he did everything right,"
"Why are they constantly trying to paint us as aggressors, murderers and so on, that they’re all so miserable while we’re silent? We are being told – stay silent, don’t respond – but the other side is taking advantage of that and becoming bolder."

Rodioneko described the Ukrainian athletes' behavior at the World Cup as "provocative".
"They were walking wrapped in flags and no one could tell them anything in order not to cause a conflict. But this is actually a direct violation of the rules."
"This was so provocative… Obviously, they were strictly prohibited from talking to us and the Belarusians."
source

[COOOK 76,406]

 

[Dojo 19,823]

but we r literally generation  Z 

[Red 99,194]

3 minutes ago, dojo said:

but we r literally generation  Z 

Define "we"

[FfFfFfFF 58,366]

The new svastica.

[Dojo 19,823]

6 minutes ago, Red said:

Define "we"