Open-source analysts and military experts first spotted the mysterious Z-shaped letter hand-painted on Russian tanks and military trucks massed on the Ukrainian border on 19 February, leading to widespread speculation among western experts as to what the letter meant.

Subscribe to Guardian News on YouTube ► http://bit.ly/guardianwiressub

Walking around Moscow, one occasionally spots cars with a Z painted on them, but the sign is yet to gain genuine widespread use among the Russian population. Some Russians, however, have ridiculed Z. During Sunday’s countrywide rallies against Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, some protesters were seen holding signs with the word Zachem (For what?). Russians have also taken to the internet to post various memes satirising Z

Why has the letter Z become the symbol of war for Russia? ► https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/07/why-has-the-letter-z-become-the-symbol-of-war-for-russia

Russia-Ukraine war: live updates ► https://www.theguardian.com/world/series/ukraine-live/latest

The Guardian publishes independent journalism, made possible by supporters. Contribute to The Guardian today ► https://bit.ly/3uhA7zg

Website ► https://www.theguardian.com
Facebook ►https://www.facebook.com/theguardian
Twitter ► https://twitter.com/guardian
Instagram ► https://instagram/guardian