How “Z” became Putin’s new propaganda meme

The letter now signifies loyalty to the Russian president.
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Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak caused controversy in March 2022 when he accepted a bronze medal at a World Cup event, all while sporting a taped-on letter “Z” on his uniform. The Z symbol had already been appearing all over Russia, as a sign of support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine and loyalty to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The letter popped up on merchandise, in highly organized flash mobs that often involved children, at pro-war rallies, and in internet memes.
The symbol was originally spotted on Russian tanks and trucks building up at Ukraine’s border in late February, along with other letters like V and O. Questions about what the symbols meant began circulating online, and once the invasion began on February 24, most analysts agreed the markings were likely for tactical purposes.
But as intrigue around them grew, the Russian Defense Ministry seized on the opportunity to claim that the letters carry extra meaning. They began generating memes that incorporated the Z and V into propaganda slogans. Those letters don’t appear in Russia’s Cyrillic alphabet, so some of the memes Latinize them: most common are ones that begin with the word “for” - spelled “Зa” in Russian, but Latinized to “Za” for the memes.
Another way Putin’s regime has turned Z into a propaganda meme has been by connecting it with the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. The “Great Patriotic War” maintains a significant presence in Russian culture - the anniversary of Germany’s defeat is celebrated each year on May 9, or "Victory Day," and World War II imagery is heavily associated with Russian patriotism and national pride. Z memes that incorporate old photos of Soviet soldiers - and the recognizable orange and black stripes of the Ribbon of St. George - are an attempt to equate the current war in Ukraine with World War II.
The Z has spread beyond Russia, too. It’s now seen in pro-Russian demonstrations worldwide and is banned in a growing list of countries. The Z’s evolution from tactical markings on invasion vehicles to a global pro-war symbol demonstrates the effectiveness of the Putin regime’s propaganda strategies.
Correction: A previous version of this video showed a photo at 4:06 of graffiti in Vologograd which depicted a satirical use of "Z" slogans. We have changed the image to a graffitied "Z" in St. Petersburg instead.
“Z” Is the Symbol of the New Russian Politics of Aggression, by Masha Gessen:
www.newyorker.com/news/our-co...
‘Z’ How Russia transformed a letter of the Latin alphabet into the official (and ominous) symbol of its invasion of Ukraine, by Alexey Kovalev and Meduza:
meduza.io/en/feature/2022/03/...
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[@Vox]

Thanks for watching. This video is part of our ongoing coverage on Ukraine. To learn more about the historical context guiding the headlines today, view our playlist here: bit.ly/3ihWvU4

[@bro1678]

first

[@servicingiq]

But secretly Z is for Zombie or Lights Out. All Equipment Deployed is older equipment, Diesel's that run and the only way to shut them down is to remove compression or Fuel. There is no Electrical Equipment. No upgraded tanks with night vision So in the capture of Ukraine, and if an EMP weapon was used it would take down new equipment, and an EMP may be hard to Prove who did what. So Russia is Saving best for last End of Line

[@kzer1677]

@@servicingiq поумнее ничего не придумал ?

[@servicingiq]

@@kzer1677 Да, армии объединяются не для войны, они объединяются для Великого перехода. У вас есть ключ, потому что, если вы этого не сделаете, вы не сделаете это End of Line

[@servicingiq]

@@kzer1677 Так, армії не об’єднуються для війни, вони об’єднуються для Великої переправи. У вас є ключ, бо якщо ви цього не зробите, у вас це не вийде. End of Line

[@artemiy_hryniewski]

The joke saying that V and Z stand for Vladimir Zelensky is my favourite one.

[@judas12344]

ну или Vladimir zhirinovskij - по факту план наверно его и был.

[@artemiy_hryniewski]

@@judas12344 Мне больше нравится версия, что это Просвирнин душу Сатане продал за наступление всех этих событий.

[@R73949]

a comedian

[@PahaDoma]

@@artemiy_hryniewski "О" - Олександрович

[@xanax_addicted]

yeah, this dude is now Olodimir Elensky according to the european laws prohibiting these symbols

[@rimut230]

the way they used children who probably had cancer for supporting the war is sickening

[@Glumpuzzler]

isnt life wild?

[@akgamingzz]

You mean kids in iraq?

[@magos2610]

@@akgamingzz in Mars

[@booaks2980]

@@akgamingzzno no in your basement

[@JsJdv]

That's better than dropping napalms on them, lol.

[@CigarettesAS]

So patriotic they had to use a letter which does not even belong to their own alphabet.

[@CrinMoss]

The gold medalists restraint to not beat the bricks off the bronze is staggeringly impressive

[@gamletsavier9355]

Interesting fact for you. Ukranian man gymnastic team have never win any Olimpic medal))

[@ultimatechad8738]

@@gamletsavier9355 Good.

[@thl205]

​@@gamletsavier9355 No one can compete with the mental gymnastics required to still support Putin in this war

[@Freemedia.ru21]

If the Ukrainians had at least done something with Russian athletes, then the next day in Kyiv almost all schools and hospitals would have accidentally burned down

[@user-pw7ur1ni5f]

Terpila moment 😂

[@fawziekefli2273]

I feel sorry for Zorro. You should have trademarked it, bruh.

[@FernandoTorrera]

My 4 year old loves dressing up as zorro :-/

[@moniqueloomis9772]

😅

[@eduardosanchezramirez1807]

tss chale

[@damnation1928]

I thought it is Z for Zelensky

[@tomhargreavescom]

😂

[@qxtu1669]

For anyone wondering the Ukrainian people have made up a name for the symbol. Here in Ukraine people usually refer to the "Z" as "Zwastika", in accordance with one other radical symbol that I deem unnecessary of introduction.

[@panpluto13]

Stepan bandera. Right sector. Azov battalion.

[@JsJdv]

Woah, it's almost as if Ukrainians would do anything to undermine Russia's invasion. Ofc they would say things that doesn't make sense as long as it's anti-Russia.

[@stealthysaucepan2016]

Isn't that kind of ironic tho

[@spikesmth]

@@panpluto13 There are equally odious figures and subcultures in Russia, but the West has not chosen to take action against them. Russia will pay for its hubris.

[@khalilahd.]

History is repeating itself ☹️

[@petroleumalley]

The man who launched the Z as a symbol; Igor Mangoesjev, who posed with the skull of a Ukrainian soldier, died to today near Luhansk due to assassination.

[@aname8018]

Hip hip hooray! 🎉

[@Nig-zk1fp]

ZVO

[@epicninjacakez6716]

Nothing of value was lost from the Ukrainians?

[@sexbomba237]

​@@epicninjacakez6716 чё?

[@petroleumalley]

@@globaldefenseinitiative A 5s search. Problems using internet?

[@tonnytn3094]

Before War started there was military drills in Belarussia. Units with Z letter immitated Attacking forces and Z meant Zapad(West in russian). Units with V letter were defendibg side V meant Vostok(East in russia). Units with O looks like appeared later. People say units with O were units of elite and special firces of Russia.

[@aaroncruz9181]

Which forms the word ZOV

[@cyberbydlo]

а почему свой алфавит не использовать? зачем ОМЭРИКАНСКИЕ буквы?

[@thirtythreeeyes8624]

@@cyberbydlo Because English is the global language since the west runs the world lol.

[@WitherMilk]

@@thirtythreeeyes8624 We use Latin alphabet, these are not "american" letters, they're roman.

[@Black_Ace14]

Guys, everyone knows that “Z” stands for integers, whole numbers.

[@delroyreid2678]

I like where your heads at.

[@WeAreChecking]

ℤ

[@Max_Jacoby]

Hello, fellow mathematician. Nowadays integers are more known by System.Int32

[@siesaw1]

😭

[@sirholycow]

😆

[@agni_oh]

History doesn't repeat itself but it sure does rhyme... This form of symbolism sure does remind you of something huh

[@li-ham803]

History does, and will, repeat itself

[@tontopuerco]

You sure does use a lot of sure does'es

[@oneofakind5668]

All just a stage show to keep you all distracted, Zelensky won his golden globe award last month did you not see o.0 What a great actor he is indeed...

[@TameraJacobs]

as mother used to say Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it. and history is certainly repeating.

[@akgamingzz]

Maybe the invasion of iraq,libya,syria, afganistan right

[@Loon-Loonz]

I think the fact that some actual russian people (including me) are watching this for the sake of actually knowing what's going on, should say a lot

[@firay3435]

Yeah same

[@MRLBRMNN]

That's interesting. Wish you all the best

[@user-eb3wf4sl3n]

лол

[@evilkat8143]

Я смотрю это потому, что мне это подсунул ютюб. Что отсюда можно было узнать? Оо

[@Heythere12344]

@@evilkat8143is Russia winning or losing?

[@vasfasan]

Even though I am russian and I was in Saint-Petersburg in February 2022, I still didn't understand were Z came from at the moment. It just sort of appeared one day and suddenly, it was everywhere. On social media, TV, on billboards and cars... However, alongside Z, more and more graffiti apposing/mocking this symbol and the war was appearing and getting covered up each day, too

[@zipfleur5764]

Yep) i saw a couple of "Нет войне" - "No war" in Admiralteyski district yesterday)

[@yoimiya997]

а ведь действительно... Z просто появилось и я как-то приняла это, но откуда оно и что это вообще 😶😶

[@gamletsavier9355]

@@zipfleur5764Well, this graffiti help to identify cuckolds and betrayers of mother Russia

[@freekickerzjunior6718]

Z - Zа Россию, Z- Za Наших...

[@alexsolarflans]

​@@gamletsavier9355The traitors to Russia are Putin and his entire gang of followers of the Bolsheviks.

[@poikoi1530]

"Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it, yet who do learn from history are doomed to stand by helplessly as everyone else repeats it"

[@categories5066]

Imagine spamming the same quote in every chat and thinking you're an intellectual

[@poikoi1530]

@@categories5066 hey, i never claimed i'm an "intellectual" i'm just a normal guy trying to convey how people tend to forget these things instead of actually learning from them.

[@NeoShameMan]

@@poikoi1530 but they learn and yearn to repeat the glory of the past

[@romankinakh2009]

@@a.oshankar8741 cry about it

[@poikoi1530]

@@a.oshankar8741 i know about the Ukrainian S.S. unit of Ukraine

[@kybeozactus407]

The reason is simple: before the war, Russia gathered soldiers for military exercises "West-East" (Запад-Восток or Zapad-Vostok). Letters Z&V are easier to apply with tape than Cyrillic З&В. And then these symbols on military equipment became a meme.

[@generalpopcorn6427]

If true, and the Z represents the western forces, then it should come to symbolize Russian failure, because the western theater was a catastrophic failure for them.

[@user-kx3jv4wo2y]

@@generalpopcorn6427 , твой никнейм отлично отображает уровень твоей компетентности в этой сфере )

[@anumader]

Everything is really very simple... V - vladimir Z - zelenskiy 😳😳😳

[@WorkSmartAndHard]

а О значит...

[@Kurd_kh]

@@WorkSmartAndHard Осевер и /\юг очевидно же😂

[@lychka]

Russians: The Azov emblem is similar to the emblem of the SS division. Also russians:

[@user-un9pd1tp2r]

У украинцев вся символика русская и имена тоже и фамилии тоже.можете считать украинцев предателями своего древнего рода.

[@VIPER276]

It's literally how to identify the Russian forces across the font line. Z means from Russia, O means from Belarus and V means Donbass.

[@Asterisks12]

Soviet Union had the most causality during WW2....nothing glory to trademark behind lol so sad

[@P4DDYW4CK]

We should refuse to accept this as a symbol for anyone/anything BUT Zorro.

[@king_big_pp]

@LookedLoose The original character that Batman ripped off

[@SomePotato]

Zantafio from Spirou & Fantasio begs to differ.

[@paddington1670]

@LookedLoose OH man, you sweet summer child.

[@Lucas_Simoni]

lol I did remember too, there is a few memes that appears on google images

[@plushieoctopusonhead8415]

Ahhh, I see, you are a man of culture

[@isaacmartinez6904]

The only time I heard of Z being used for political causes was from the 1969 movie Z. It was about the transformation of Greece being a democracy to a dictatorship.

[@imCurveee]

Not Zorba the Greek? Lol

[@kenster8270]

I Denmark in the 1980s and 90s, the letter Z was the party symbol of the far-right party Fremskridtspartiet (Progress Party). Each political party is assigned a letter of the alphabet to represent it in order to avoid confusion in case two parties have similar names.

[@kritizismmusics9737]

How's Z invasion going

[@kritizismmusics9737]

XD

[@PantMal]

To clarify something regarding Z: In this case, Z had a pro-democracy meaning. The english letter is homophone with the Greek word: "Ζει", which means 'He lives'. In the context of the movie Z, people used it as a protest slogan to refer to Grigoris Lambrakis, a pro-democratic politician who was assasinated during a time where political division was very high (which eventually led to a 7 year dictatorship in Greece). Pro-democratic protesters used 'Z/He lives' to show that they still believed and praised Lambrakis' views after his death.

[@victorpanzerz5729]

Zадержка V развитии - developmental delay.

[@hahahoho9071]

Volodymyr Zelenskyy*

[@sh3riffcounty]

как контрнаступ? обосрались нацики, прям как в 44)) теперь ещё и хозяева из сша сливают

[@large_planet]

​@@hahahoho9071 Зеленский не пил пиво в унивнрситете как путин, и он не рос в питерских подворотнях в нищите. Деменция у плешивого как раз таки.

[@houstonwasd1112]

Заквиэль стал популярным

[@tvgerbil1984]

Ivan Kuliak, the Russian wearing his Z was actually well beaten by Illia Kovtun, the Ukrainian. That was not a good omen for whom and what Kuliak represented.

[@RegzalTG]

Doesn't matter, they both don't care about politics,in reality, Kuliak had that face because he was expected to do a lot better, and was just bitter he lost Knowing Putin, Kuliak was probably forced to wear that

[@ristekostadinov2820]

@@RegzalTG then how does Medvedev the #1 tennis racket in the world never commented in favor of the war nor wore that sort of symbol ?

[@RegzalTG]

@@ristekostadinov2820 because he doesn't support the war

[@massimilianodendena5259]

He should have worn an L

[@bazileia9222]

@@RegzalTG so why did he got to Poopin's Rally?

[@norbert9786]

"Z" - forces from the western russia, "Z" in square - forces from Crimea, "O" - forces from Belarus, "V" - marines, "X" - Chechens, "A" - special forces. You're welcome

[@windex7934]

Thank you

[@sethplaysbadly6897]

Many Thanks

[@aguy7095]

Thank you random Citizen!

[@skayzi_lego]

everything is much easier. if you remember, there were exercises before entering the territory of Ukraine. And almost all of this equipment participated in the exercise, and there they were divided into two groups "Z" - west, "V" - east. and these symbols simply did not have time to be erased, but then, when they became recognizable and associated with the Russian army, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation stated what this means for victory, etc.

[@skayzi_lego]

@@windex7934 everything is much easier. if you remember, there were exercises before entering the territory of Ukraine. And almost all of this equipment participated in the exercise, and there they were divided into two groups "Z" - west, "V" - east. and these symbols simply did not have time to be erased, but then, when they became recognizable and associated with the Russian army, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation stated what this means for victory, etc.

[@enigmacrk200]

I loved how all the russians where pro war pro putin right up until russia started drafting people then all of a sudden people had a problem with it

[@dje583]

500k Ukrainians be drafted to fight Russia:

[@uzunhair]

ты летаешь в своих облаках дружочек?

[@VIPER276]

Only one country is drafting here and it's Ukraine.

[@Adam-mj5hl]

If I were Zorro, I’d sue the Russian Federation for trademark infringement.

[@Anderixx]

My dad has an very old "Zorro" costume with a big Z on the front. Now I can´t wear it for decades xD

[@cheezy9021]

Have you seen New balance sneakers?

[@ilya_maqreen9513]

No. U can.

[@Bogdanov96]

You can't do it in the West? No problem, comrade, we will bring freedom to your country too so You can wear it😉

[@DeezN1892]

@@Bogdanov96 stop LARPing not a shred of socialism exists in Russia today

[@DeezN1892]

@@Bogdanov96 stop LARPing not a shred of socialism exists in Russia today

[@yeahman147]

Z = Eastern military district Z in a box = Russian army stationed in crimea O = Russian army stationed in Belarus V = Russian navy infantry X = kadyrov chechnya A = Alpha ground special forces

[@neverone986]

Its from Wikipedia

[@user-xe9dz7bv5z]

@bocoy noiu Война миров Z c Бредом Питом, поэтому и такие ассоциации.

[@GimmeHellYeah]

в Крыму v шки тоже ездеют

[@cyberbydlo]

@@GimmeHellYeah в крыму скоро будет стоять памятник Бандере 🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@GimmeHellYeah]

@@cyberbydlo в крыму нациков не уважают, как только попробует кто поставить - ему его в задний проход затолкают мигом) у нас в крови - f"шизм искоренять

[@bungwohlio]

Z stands for zombies O stands for orcs V sands for \/aginas

[@fbi9965]

Bravo!

[@ameemameme7509]

I feel like this will have the same affect as the symbol from Germany. That symbol is suppose to mean peace (or something similar) in India and many other cultures but due to WWII, the meaning has changed. Now it reminds people of the war instead of peace. Hopefully the letter Z doesn't become that.

[@legokingtm9462]

Oh no how can i write Zoo when i keep getting flash back.. lol

[@salahabdalla368]

Z means west That's literally it

[@agoogleuser9102]

It's a fitting symbol seeing as Z can be used to spell Zionism

[@abasedcrusader9663]

@@legokingtm9462 Russian-Ukraine war veterans getting a PTSD ttack at seeing wilf animals (it reminds them of the *OO)

[@randi2513]

Iirc the symbol related to hinduism is anti clockwise/left turned while 'that' symbol is clockwise/right turned

[@nikolaia.9573]

Sometimes people opposing wars change prowar posters and graffiti by changing it to "NO WAR" by rotating Z to N Also pro war people are mocked and called "Zомби" meaning "zombie"

[@tuongtang8974]

I like to use Z as Z for Zelensky (parody of V for Vedentta)

[@MSSLatvia]

It seems that the real "Zombies" are the soldiers "just following orders".

[@NoName-bi4sn]

Zalupinskie

[@robertchmielecki2580]

That was my first connotation as well, with World War Z. And its zombies -mindlessly killing the weak, dying in droves to trained opposition. An apt comparison

[@salahabdalla368]

@@MSSLatvia litterally every soldier does that From the Americans to Russians

[@vladislavkudriashov798]

мне страшно осознавать, что началась войны и ещё страшнее от того, что эту войну начала моя страна

[@user-ss6tq3yo8r]

Твоя страна видимо Америка.

[@user-ss6tq3yo8r]

Ну просто полный абзац через год конфликта писать такую чушь! Времени разобраться не было? Тогда политика это не твое, иди музыку послушай

[@vladislavkudriashov798]

@@user-ss6tq3yo8r почему Америка начала войну?

[@user-ss6tq3yo8r]

@@vladislavkudriashov798 потому что организовала гос переворот.

[@alexandertumarkin5343]

@@user-ss6tq3yo8r Какое у вас образование?

[@red_terra]

I'm from Russia, and we even have buses pasted over with the letter Z. this is terrible

[@user-jo5mw5zb9j]

Что ужасного? Не на лбу же.

[@Blackmagick55]

@@user-jo5mw5zb9j да то, что это блять фашистский символ. А букву V носили немцы в ВОВ

[@user-jo5mw5zb9j]

@@Blackmagick55 Я больше скажу. Триколор использовали нацистские коллабарационисты.

[@user-iy1rz5xc3p]

@@user-jo5mw5zb9j Zzzzz

[@jacks9099]

They are called identification marking’s. Any military analyst knew what they were from the start and it took on the role as a symbol for the invasion.

[@ok.ok.5735]

It’s half a swa-sticka

[@sss-gl9et]

True but they were turned into something else.

[@at8tt2nt2tn2t]

srusian

[@at8tt2nt2tn2t]

satana

[@at8tt2nt2tn2t]

World killed

[@dybosh1eld802]

There is also an opinion, that these symbols were used during the military exercises in February, right before the invasion for defining the sides: "Z" for "Zapad" (transliteration Russian word "Запад", which means west); and "V" for "Vostok" (also transliteration of "Восток", which means east). And as another commentator wrote, it's easier to draw Latin variants, and also Z and V, are more distinguishable than Cyrillic variants З and В. PS What does the letter "O" means? Actually, dunno, because there is no side in the Russian language, that started with O (also, it can be just a circle, lol) But I guess, they just started using different markers for their own purposes, maybe for defining different armies and divisions (but it doesn't make a lot of sense, because you can find the same symbols on opposite fronts) Also, I don't think, that they used it to define "ours" and "others" because Russia and Ukraine use different camouflage and some types of vehicles.

[@gerhardwasowski]

Makes sense

[@user-tk6ct4rq4q]

But what would O stand for? 🤔

[@nibydlo]

also Z can mean "Земля" (Land) and V for "Воздух" (Air), because Z often on land technic (tanks, trucks) and V on helicopters

[@redrusski7180]

What does the "O" mean then? It doesn't stand for any direction in Russian (sever:north, zapad:west, Vostok:east, yug:south)

[@worldoftancraft]

Západ, Vóstok, gospodín «ja translitêríroval»

[@user-wl9nv2tj2f]

Real meaning is zombie

[@orientalischerwarjager]

zombies live in ukraine

[@pork_eater_Z666]

No, real meaning is ZdoroVo(cool)

[@user-tp9pj5pi3p]

Real meaning is Operation Volodimir Oleksandrovich Zelenski

[@s00ba2]

As someone whos likes to draw Z, because my name starts with it. Now people think I am supporting russia

[@mikehunt8838]

4:05 Ha! These three are actually anti-war protest slogans: 'For War!', 'For Death', 'For Poverty'!

[@Phonixrmf]

You mean at 4:02?

[@cghbv1585]

ngl vox isn't really a checker more of a rusher

[@bagamax]

Wish you were right, but it’s not. Заканчиваем войны - [we] end wars, за мир - for the peace (also it can be read as for the world, it is the same word in Russian, but here they probably meant peace), за правду - for the truth, задача будет выполнена - task will be accomplished, сила в правде - force is in the truth, за победой - [going] for the victory,

[@foreveralone1082]

I can explain the real meaning of those letters: "Z" is for "Западный Округ" (Zapadniy Okrug), in english it`s "Western District" of Russian army, "V" is for "Восточный Округ" (Vostochniy Okrug), in english it`s "Eastern District" of Russian army, "O" is for "Центральный Округ" (Tsentralniy Okrug), in english it`s "Central District" of Russian army, "Δ" is for "Северный Округ" (Severniy Okrug), in english it`s "Northern District" of Russian army, that`s all.

[@user-nh4oh1oe6o]

эти буквы уже давно используют не для этого

[@mayakstudios7292]

Это прям игра в кальмара

[@qwerty123484]

@@user-nh4oh1oe6o военные ниче не знают, у них другие команды.

[@M1chlos]

But why it's not written in Cyrillic, outside of the "delta" symbol. I am Czech and my first guess was that's is vychod/zapad (vostok/zapad), but then other symbols started appear and it didn't seemed like I was right.

[@foreveralone1082]

@@M1chlos actually there`s no need to write those symbols in Cyrillic, those are something like markings to distinguish the military equipment, cuz each unit performs a specific task. I know there are some other symbols like "Z*" or "Θ" but those perform the same function too, just markings being used for own needs.

[@Hydrocosmos_Tacinskaya]

Z - Zapad (west), V - vostok (east), O - (center point)

[@BrettGarner17]

Z

[@Landofjello]

why though?

[@UA-380-]

They trippin@@Landofjello

[@karambol8917]

Z-мерть

[@burrrnashev]

As I Russian, I must admit that the quality of the video is incredible. Everything has been explained concisely and without missing any important facts. Thank you! As for the sign itself, I am very concerned and upset about its rise and against it.

[@ZeldaFeb]

Thank you for not supporting this war❤️

[@LisSkills]

Thank you for crying in the comments! Very helpful!❤️

[@glebd.4689]

No one cares, but thank you❤

[@user-ny6qb1pk4c]

@@ZeldaFeb don't trust the news, that 75% support this war. Actually, the question is "do you support war or you will be jailed for 15 years". Having this condition is basically making answer much difficult for many people. However, independent survey showed, that it is real figure, and 75% actually supports, but out of 31 000 people agency reached for study, 29 500 refused to answer, when obviously they are against.

[@ZeldaFeb]

@@user-ny6qb1pk4c I figured most did not support it, I did not mean to imply that I thought majority of Russians supported it. I did not know the statistics though, thank you for sharing, I'm very happy to hear that!

[@lesnouu]

4:06 slogans on the bus stops there are actually against the operation, they mean „for war, for death, for poverty“

[@FrankiePiskens]

true

[@tvij4268]

Exactly))

[@JsJdv]

It's Vox, ofc there were minimal research involved. You'd think a news source would at least bother to translate or understand relevant languages in their photos before attaching a narrative to it. What a joke, lol.

[@itsytyt5192]

וט

[@nikitadyatlov2774]

I am from this city ✊

[@user-pd3oz1yl8c]

In general, there is another theory of the origin of z and v symbol, I don't know know true they are. Before the war start, troops were pulled for exercises, so if I understand correct, troops must be divided into two teams, for example east(in russian vostok) and west (zapad). In cyrillic alphabet letters z(З) and v(В) quite similar, so the can be confused, so they used Latin analogue. And when war started they were too busy to delete them

[@NTraveller]

True!

[@thedoctorairsoft6813]

Z!

[@spaceniceguy]

In some years edgy people will tag "Z" in the streets instead of swastikas 🤦‍♂️

[@biji8427]

They propably already are

[@legokingtm9462]

Good, its better than the Germans symbol.

[@pain7958]

They already are.

[@rick7424]

@@legokingtm9462 you are that edgy kid based on your last three posts.

[@user-yj7ve5zv9n]

copycats

[@SamAlexInCAN]

I love watching the Z in destroyed Russian tanks, it reminds me that Russia may be a big country, but the bigger they are, the harder they fall

[@ricardosegarrairizarry8396]

I think "L" suits them better.

[@joeandhunterloveukraine1857]

If Russia is Z, then Ukraine is the NotZi?

[@pandysnufkin]

funny joke, unfortunatly i didnt laugh

[@Bu11t0N]

Гений

[@Beloff777]

Funniest comment in the whole section. Also the most based one

[@corebabajustin1238]

@@pandysnufkinbeta!

[@user-id9ji8di5t]

Good one

[@LightKnight_Age_Of]

It was really special in France, because it happened to be that, during the ongoing presidential election, for his own campaign, Zemmour and his team adopted the symbol "Z", the initial of his name, naming him that way, saying "the Z will do this and that" "waiting for the Z"... And Zemmour was a candidate with a rather ambiguous stance over Russia and the war in Ukraine...

[@theoaxton1606]

Jme dit que c'est sûrement pas une coïncidence...

[@shycracker]

Vichy France 2.0?

[@francoiscamy5066]

Unfortunately, some people here continue to believe them. They say they will protect the workers and poor people (that's good in it's own) to promote their own ideology.

[@LightKnight_Age_Of]

@@francoiscamy5066 Marine le Pen and Zemmour don't have the same agenda and the same promises. Marine Le Pen basically claim what you're saying - and indeed her program, in its economic aspects, corresponds partly to this objective. Zemmour however did acknowledge he doesn't have that much to offer for poors and middle class, and explicitly advocates against immigration and in favor of tough measures in this domain (with security, tackling islamism etc.). Zemmour is not just further on the right from Le Pen, he also has (or had) a very different, and very limited, economic policy.

[@patternrecon5271]

France: Ndiaga Dieye police attack Rambouillet police attack Orthodox priest wounded Lyon 2020 Nice stabbing Samuel Paty attack 2020 Paris stabbing attack Colombes police attack 2020 Romans-sur-isère knife attack Metz police stabbing 2020 Villejuif stabbing Paris police headquartes stabbing 2019 Lyon bombing 2018 Strasburg attack Asadollah Asadi 2018 Paris knife attack Carcassonne and Trèbes attack 2017 Marseille stabbing 2017 Levallois-Perret attack 2017 Notre Dame attack 2017 Orly airport attack 2017 Paris machete attack 2016 Normandy church attack Nice truck attack 2016 Magnanville stabbing 2016 Paris police station attack Valence car attack November 2015 Paris attacks 2015 Thalys train attack Charlie Hebdo attack

[@4MERSAT]

I am one of those people living in Russia who are against the war and are shocked by others wearing "Z" symbols. People who openly spoke out against the war and did not leave are already in prison. As long as Putin is alive, nothing will change . i'm sorry for my B.E.

[@johnchiu4560]

The U.S. provoked the war with the 2014 coup and NATO expansion. Too bad Ukraine was and is being used as a tool. The people suffer.

[@myowncomputerstuff]

Seems pretty weird for Russia to use a letter used primarily in Western languages in their rally against the West's supposed antagonistic dominance. That would be like the US saying "God bless あmerica" in support of Pacific soldiers in WWII.

[@Anchovus]

Z and V are simply easier to write than З and В. Moreover, the main task of this campaign is to convey Russia's position to residents of other countries, and Latin letters are much more familiar to them and easier to remember

[@user-wy7ku4im2l]

Вы не поверите, но пропаганда и это нашла как объяснить: они сказали, что это старословянский язык. Исконно русский алфавит.

[@giovannigiorgio1536]

@@user-wy7ku4im2l Да, они чего угодно могут "объяснить". Путлер при всех живьём младенца сожрёт, скажут, что иначе бы его съели войска НАТО.

[@zefeereu8380]

@@user-wy7ku4im2l 1й раз слышу чтобы так говорили, уже понапридумывали

[@user-up8zz1md9j]

@@user-wy7ku4im2l впервые слышу, ахах

[@anzahanifathallah]

it's prolly just me, and i know that this is a very minor issue in the grand scheme of things, but i'm always annoyed when evil horrible people coopt benign universal symbols for their own use . for example, letters like "Q" or "Z", or numbers like "212" or "88"

[@Willow4526]

it's bcos there universal, makes it easier to remember, sneak into something without looking odd and harder to remove.

[@dyggas]

212?

[@januszkurahenowski2860]

What's 212?

[@dyggas]

@Russian Waifu dude, you are literally everywhere, in early comments to every Ukraine or Russia related video. What is your salary?

[@benoitbvg2888]

I know some Buddhists that would agree with you on that.

[@fubartotale3389]

If he's so gung ho for the war, send him to the front.

[@yolaks715]

so new meaning of Z is bloodbath

[@rodp.1]

I had no idea Putin was such a big fan of the Nissan Z chassis

[@annieher]

As a russian i can say, that Z stands for "Zombies".

[@patternrecon5271]

Minimum replacement birth rate: 2.1 EU birth rate: 1.53 Canada birth rate: 1.47 USA birth rate: 1.70 Russia birth rate: 1.50 Ukraine birth rate: 1.23 Australia birth rate: 1.66 Israel birth rate: 3.00

[@patternrecon5271]

@@annieher Kieth Woods: "russian" oligarchs. Igor Kolomoisky. Great russian famine, Holodomor, Famine in Khazakhstan, Lazar Kaganovich, Genrikh Yagoda, Aron Solts, Filipp Goloshchyokin, Yakov Rappoport, Lazar Kogan, Matvei Berman, Naftaly Frenkel. Ereget Raschi Erod.22 30 Baba Mezia 114b Libbre David 37 Sabba Mecia 114,6. Simeon Haddarsen, fol. 56-D. Tosefta. Aboda 8, 5, Schulchan Aruch, Jore Dia

[@williamspaceboy6387]

@PatternRecon so essentially we are all walking dead.

[@YusufKhan-ye7rp]

@@patternrecon5271 are you trying to say Jews are gonna take over the world or something?

[@patternrecon5271]

@@YusufKhan-ye7rp they did post WW2

[@chrisk5651]

Funny how Russian is using a western letter!

[@AlexandraPlotnikova1]

Особенно, когда у нас активно борются со всем западным, в том числе с надписями на латинице 👌

[@Indian-pt4vi]

Z= zombiee👽

[@lawsontake7383]

As a child with cancer I can confirm there is nothing I care more about than the whims of my dictator. I'm kidding of course

[@starfall6686]

Yeah, I feel bad for those poor kids

[@vaniys]

узнал о своей стране намного больше, чем от российских СМИ. спасибо

[@B1URryface]

Бля, а чё тут узнавать. Если ты этого не знал, то подкрадываются большие сомнения, что ты жил в этой стране

[@Shoorik100]

@@B1URryface у многих в стране очень ограниченные знания своей истории, на уровне "где мне это в жизни пригодится, я что историк?"

[@Ddofdopdghk]

💯

[@vaniys]

@@B1URryface я про этот самый знак Z, а не про историю говорю. российские СМИ очень ограничено и сдержано говорят информацию об этой «специальной операции»

[@user-mi5jn7dk8l]

@@vaniys все что положено знать вам, тупым березовым гномикам они СМИ до вас донесут не переживайте!

[@Sway-ov3wd]

Z-ombie

[@lamagiduneinstant76]

~Z for LOZERZ.

[@user-pg5yg5uj4h]

Z is for Latin alphabet

[@expandedhistory]

As a Russian myself, I want to go out of my way and thank you Vox for making this video and bringing awareness to the meaning of the letter “Z.” What Putin and the Russian military is doing does not represent my people nor Russia as a whole. What you are doing does. I think it’s important for both of us to use our platforms that we have to raise more awareness to the senseless situation going on and to educate. Amazing video as always Vox!

[@infinitysck8094]

Very well said!

[@oneofakind5668]

Do you agree with the NWO?

[@cesarbugarini499]

Ur people willingly took this path for the greater part of the 20th and 21st centuries. Russians have been making bad decisions for a long while, this is very much your problem 😒😒😒

[@toborer7895]

Wow, this is a big coincidence, I have seen some of your videos. Just asking, you sound American in your videos, is your family from russia? or you yourself currently living there?

[@expandedhistory]

@@toborer7895 Thank you and to answer your question my family is ethnically from Russia. They left and we currently lives in the States.

[@philipp_6426]

I would like to note that all these "events" are held only in public institutions, ranging from schools and hospitals to factories and universities. The threat of dismissal or expulsion is hidden under the picture of mass support. On the other hand, there is also no anti-war movement, this is explained by the fact that for any single picket or other action, huge fines and the risk of imprisonment of up to 15 years are accrued. It comes to the point of absurdity when a man with blue and yellow sneakers was detained in Moscow.

[@ivario]

There is a movement, but small in scale and constantly under attack

[@tobbcittobbcit8899]

Some time ago a man was holding a blank piece of paper. Cops came up and took him into custody

[@philipp_6426]

@@tobbcittobbcit8899 Yes, this has also happened more than once. But just the day before yesterday, a circle of people were detained, who stopped and raised their hands as if holding a poster. In the protocol on detention it is written that "..the detainees held invisible posters with anti-government inscriptions in their hands"

[@cookiemonster59263]

I feel like this really needs to be considered regarding all the criticism towards Russian influencers and celebrities who are promoting pro-Russia messaging. While I'm certain some of them definitely do believe what they're saying, it's not like the ones who don't are given a choice in saying anything negative about the war when they're public figures saying things in public forums where the Russian government could easily come after them

[@ericquiabazza2608]

This make me remember so MUCH to Vietnam era documentaries. Remember how police just beat down Hippies because they opose a war the people has no interest in, but the state wanted power?

[@olexandertverdohleb9874]

Z, V and O stands for - Zelenskiy Volodymir Oleksandrovich

[@foolarchive]

александрович*

[@olexandertverdohleb9874]

@@foolarchive по-украински - "Олександрович". Вроде как моё имя профиля должно было Вам подсказать

[@Lean-zj1nl]

History repeats itself. Hopefully, we learn from it

[@airsmellnice4133]

What do you mean?

[@Cheesycat0]

​@@airsmellnice4133 most likely the 1917-22 invasion of Ukraine by Russia/ussr

[@justnoah2073]

The children's hospital one was beyond disgusting.

[@jeannie6258]

And sadly they probably had no clue of the true meaning or significance.

[@agihiruda]

And it was the Navoz Battalion who kills and bombs stuff. Plus did you knew that azov was located in that hospital?

[@XrapXx]

Well US usually bombs hospitals so.. I mean it ain't that bad

[@justnoah2073]

@@XrapXx I don't get why people think when I criticize Russia I must believe that the US is the shining beacon of morals in the world. Russia bombs hospitals too, I criticize every power that promotes and uses military. Russia is making these kids believe it's unjust war is good.

[@MichaelJ44]

I know right! We should let them change their changer instead and give them testosterone boosters!

[@michelmilaneh8963]

they should change the Z to an L it's more fitting of their military performance

[@juliuszkocinski7478]

an?

[@michelmilaneh8963]

@@juliuszkocinski7478 from a Z to an L

[@mrclickbaitali7029]

for what?

[@Hosmoo]

@@juliuszkocinski7478 because L means Loser

[@RajendraCholaPro]

Actually F would be good, F IN CHAT BOIS

[@user-cs1dk2ug7l]

ZOV 🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺

[@AntonGermanReal]

Hello, fash

[@user-cs1dk2ug7l]

@@AntonGermanReal no u

[@HavaN5rus]

1:11 "Outside in the snow". Lol it's almost always snow here. Just say "outside"

[@johnnyapplesmith]

So wonderfully to see all the support for (V)olodymyr (O)leksandrovych (Z)elenskyy

[@user-wj3cn3mv9u]

But written with a. Alexandrovich

[@hoholslayer1721]

@@user-wj3cn3mv9u на χοχλοβском будет через «о»

[@viktorzozulia9258]

@@user-wj3cn3mv9u nope, it’s written as Oleksand in Ukrainian

[@viktorzozulia9258]

@@hoholslayer1721 may i ask u smth?

[@hoholslayer1721]

@@viktorzozulia9258 если хочешь

[@funny-video-YouTube-channel]

World War Z The Ruzzians play the zombie part 😆😅😁

[@DJAKONDATM]

Support Z Russia!

[@erickrodriguez1977]

Z means el Zorro!!

[@user-dq9hu4xb9m]

Those symbols are troop numbers representing different military regions Z: Russian troops from the eastern region 🅉 (Z inside the square): Russian troops from Crimea O: Troops from Belarus V: Naval Infantry X: troops from Chechnya A: Special Forces, including Special Rapid Response Unit, Alpha Special Forces and Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation

[@dululjahma6609]

I also thought that, why VOX didn’t mention it?

[@winnxithepoo]

is this accurate

[@loweffort7743]

@@winnxithepoo yeah pretty much

[@obamaisamooncricket950]

Exactly. Why didn't they mention that?

[@Phonixrmf]

@@dululjahma6609 2:05

[@RamiresHelena]

The first time I saw that letter being used by the Russian military, it immediately reminded me of Costa-Gavras’ film “Z” (1969), which is a disturbing masterpiece about an authoritarian regime. I wonder if Putin chose that as a symbol because he was ignorant of the film or - even worse - because the society depicted in the movie is the one he’s aiming at.

[@vincentchan4777]

bruuuuh, have you even seen the video? Putin didn't choose this symbol some military official chose this as a code for their battalions... pro war Russians manipulated it into a war symbol.

[@RamiresHelena]

@@vincentchan4777 the moment the government decided to embrace it, it became an official symbol. A great example of that is how heavily it was featured in that rally with Putin in Moscow.

[@salahabdalla368]

That's called, crackhead conspiracy theories Z stands for Zapad Which means "west" It's used to identify which fleet is which, sorry this wasnt exciting or sinister as you thought

[@user-mi1td6ez8r]

@@RamiresHelena I will tell you as a Russian - at first the symbol spread among the people, everywhere in social media. Well, what should the government do in your opinion? Of course they took this symbol into account

[@dakefasso9124]

@@user-mi1td6ez8r, дружище, чтоб гражданское общество задавало какой-то тренд политической дискуссии, нужно, чтоб это гражданское общество существовало. В России его нет. Так называемые "простые люди" не берут участия в политической повестке. Они ее послушно потребляют. Нет ни чувства ответсвенности, ни причастности к происходящему. Только примитивная солидарность.

[@crossredline5034]

What about Samsung Galaxy Z FOLD

[@Felevr]

it means this time Russia will send all their Gen Z to the war :D, which actually is happening ... a lot of teenagers soldier

[@nonofurbusiness509]

They're actually dying and its sad.

[@vyros.3234]

You have figured out the codd

[@vacafuega]

@@Ded111 eight-TEEN, nine-TEEN... checks out

[@Ded111]

@@vacafuega My bad. Just checked a dictionary. Thought "teenager" word has a bit different meaning in English.

[@Felevr]

@@nonofurbusiness509 it is

[@eilois]

i feel bad on people who actually use Z as brand his entire life before this whole Z hype

[@BazzBrother]

I felt bad for the god Isis these past few years, now i feel bad for agent Z from MiB

[@Kuba_K]

This is why you dont oversimplify your ligos

[@vanilsvanity]

big z from that weird penguin movie will never be seen the same again

[@mv3592]

half hitler uses half svastika👽

[@heheboi2800]

Who?

[@mv3592]

@@heheboi2800 pootler obviously

[@heheboi2800]

@@mv3592 cry about it, okay

[@tornikegasviani9995]

@@heheboi2800 Don't find your family in crocus city hall next time, be careful.

[@heheboi2800]

@@tornikegasviani9995 Don't find you're family in Twin Tower next time, be careful

[@RepublicOfBrumystan]

Z Stands for Zero money, zero skill, and zero military.

[@I_Hate_YouTube.]

So as a russian, i see this symbol pretty often. It's used on cars, metro stations, police vehicles and many more. Even speaking up against it can put you in prision for 10 years. Edit: i also saw it being used in schools by children, wich is illegal! Edit 2: i realise this comment is wrong, but i don't fell like deleting it.

[@TheGrace020]

nice freedom of speech : )

[@ira346]

you know i haven't see many cars and Metro stations marked by this symbol in Moscow. maybe it's common in social media more than in real life...

[@KIT2142LAW]

@@ira346 It's much, MUCH more common in cities outside Msc and Spb.

[@ira346]

@@KIT2142LAW this is miserable ...

[@Atrau-]

@@ira346 typical moscow citizen lol cities outside moscow miserable, aren't they?

[@pathet11cc]

Z means "Zalupa" and it's obvious

[@ILya-vs4wj]

Ну типа)

[@mindx316]

thats true

[@Goldes14]

Zalupa²

[@user-tp9pj5pi3p]

Казалось бы причем тут Залужный

[@foxtrot4755]

Zelensky or Zaluzhny?

[@columnedfox5508]

in simple terms the Symbols are basically like an identification thing, because with Ukraine and Russia using the same exact tanks, you can't really tell who's is who at long ranges

[@vladimirpro2592]

Давай не оправдывай окей

[@ghostlightx9005]

Very interesting. And here was me thinking the Z was Putin's army's grade for combat proficiency.

[@zeratulrus142]

4:05 is clearly anti-war graffity, it says "For war, for death, for poverty"

[@zeratulrus142]

Also at 1:10 it's not just children, most seem to be Hospice workers. Not that it changes much, just a clarification.

[@---.-----]

I can only see a big Z.

[@pdenigma9444]

06:03 Quick correction Vox Those banners and flags weren’t destroyed. They can still be found today on display at the Central Armed Forces Museum in Moscow.

[@ericquiabazza2608]

Ao they where trown in the ground as a simbol of German colapse?

[@btnt5209]

A copy was destroyed, the originals in display

[@chrisk5651]

That Russian gymnast who lost to the Ukrainian & another gymnast from a former Soviet Republic should be banned from international competition!! He was not a winner (and lost to a Ukrainian) but used his platform for political purposes to support an illegal invasion! Despicable!!!

[@CremeDeLaMeme.]

ukrainians are russians and ukraine is a region of Russia it doesnt even have internationally recognized borders 😂

[@planescaped]

Stalin and Putin connections, Swastika's and Zwastika's. Ahhh... what's old is new again.

[@hello-bg9hp]

4:06 'for war, for death, for poverty' this is often used as sarcasm

[@chairde]

My father and all my uncles fought in WWII and I’m 75 years old. These Russians are generations away from WWII. They have no direct memories of that war. It is their great grandfather’s war. This is the glorification of war.

[@user-mz7vi1dd4i]

Это память о наших погибших наших дедах и прадедах, и никому не дадим переписать историю

[@SG-kq1jc]

our grandfathers liberated the world from Nazism, now it's our turn.

[@alicestrashkova915]

Bruh, every russian has grandparents that participated in war. Have you ever seen Immortal regiment in russia?

[@XxxXxx-yp6dc]

Красная армия освободила мир от фашизма и нацизма.

[@XxxXxx-yp6dc]

@@alicestrashkova915 да загугли он проводится везде и в деревнях и в городах везде есть братские кладбища чтоб не забывать своих родственников и героев

[@otabekahmedov1410]

Это был тонкий юмор от российского правительства. Это пропаганда просто издевательство над Зеленским.. Произошел троль. Они сделали Z символом пропаганды, но на Украинские люди идут против буквы Z- Против Zеленского . Российское правительство тонко намекнуло что его же люди его начнут ненавидеть. А люди дали столько смысла в этот символ. Они просто троллят над Зеленским.

[@MrMirville]

It is not even a Russian letter by its shape.

[@philipmark3343]

I’m sure Nikon’s advertising department is super happy about this when it comes to their Z line of mirrorless lenses. 😑

[@anasilber8269]

Like anybody cares

[@lewisguapo]

They are ahead of their time

[@rick7424]

@@anasilber8269 Nikon and owners of these lenses care.

[@winnxithepoo]

loolllollo

[@user-mi1td6ez8r]

Russians don't care.

[@aleksandervaldmann]

About the meaning. Some say, that letters are marking different army groups according to their original location. Z is for Zapad (Запад - West) and V is for Vostok (Восток - East). I think, that the latin variant is chosen because it is easier to draw or make it with tape. Compare - Z vs З and V vs В.

[@braincell4536]

pretty much. There is also O symbols that are seen

[@succatash]

Very odd a Russia. Military using Latin z vs 3. They were using spray paint.

[@braincell4536]

@@succatash Probably easier to write or tell incase some Russians that were bilingual or use arabic numerals mistake it for 3 or the letter B

[@user-zm2zv6bw8i]

@@succatash Letter З, з can be easily misread as number 3. And yes, Z and V is much easier to draw or made out of tape than З or В.

[@cloudpoint0]

Wrong meanings. The right ones are below. *Russian Military Markings* (per euromaidanpress) “Z” alone - Eastern Military District forces (not western as some claim) 🅉 or “Z” inside a square - Forces from Crimea (Southern Military District) “O” or a circle - Forces based in Belarus “V” - Naval Infantry forces (Marines) “X” - Ramzan Kadyrov’s Chechen forces (Kadyrov is a Putin-installed warlord in Chechnya) “A” with an extended crossbar - Alpha Group Special Operations forces (SSO)

[@thetechbin401]

Samsung Galaxy Z series ( Z fold and Z flip)

[@chairde]

Z for zero.

[@beergychka]

Z in this case means Zalupa.

[@barrettvonwulfmann5281]

Zalupali nacisti.

[@khalilahd.]

This is kind of scary and eerily reminds us of past wars 😕

[@ashleyoasis7948]

I know like Germany white western world order is evil like what Nato is now

[@empty_inside_]

Vladimir Zelenskiy support Russia because he has a letter "z" and "v" in his name

[@AntonGermanReal]

💀

[@JustStriki]

💀💀💀