成人快手

The letter Z has become symbolic with Russia's invasion of Ukraine and has been seen painted on the side of tanks and military vehicles, as well as being worn by pro-war politicians in Russia. Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak attracted controversy after he displayed a letter 'Z' taped to his chest as he stood next to gold medal winner Illia Kovtun of Ukraine on a podium at the weekend.

Dr Aglaya Snetkov from the UCL School of Slavonic and Eastern European Studies in London explains the significance of the symbol and how this has been seen in many places - on cars, T-shirts,military vehicles, on social media, in the snow, as well as on videos and imagery. She says the Putin regime is not forcing anyone to use this, that people are adopting this voluntarily, and that the symbol has also been seen at pro-Russian protests.

"This shows support of Putin's actions in Ukraine, and action against the Nazi threat that Russian government has said is taking place in Ukraine."

Photo: A serviceman of pro-Russian militia is seen inside a tank in the Luhansk region, Ukraine Credit: Reuters

Show less