Person walks past Z symbol painted on bus stop in Russia
(Picture: REUTERS)Ukraine’s foreign minister has urged countries to ban people displaying the ‘Z’ symbol which is being used in support of Russia’s war.
Dmytro Kuleba said the use of the symbol in some contexts showed support for “Russian war crimes” and “barbarism”.
The symbol was spotted being painted on Russian military vehicles weeks before the invasion of Ukraine on February 24.
It has been suggested it stands for “Za pobedy (for victory)” in Russian and it has since become a gesture of support for Vladimir Putin’s aggression in Ukraine.
Mr Kuleba said: “I call on all states to criminalise the use of the ‘Z’ symbol as a way to publicly support Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
“‘Z’ means Russian war crimes, bombed out cities, thousands of murdered Ukrainians. Public support of this barbarism must be forbidden.”
I call on all states to criminalize the use of the ‘Z’ symbol as a way to publicly support Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. ’Z’ means Russian war crimes, bombed out cities, thousands of murdered Ukrainians. Public support of this barbarism must be forbidden.
— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) March 29, 2022
The symbol has been daubed on billboards, bus stops, taxis, and even a funeral hearse in Russia in a seemingly voluntary show of support for the war.
In Germany, the pro-war sign has been spotted on T-shirts as well as buildings and cars.
The German interior ministry warned using the letter Z to show support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could be illegal.
“The letter Z as such is of course not forbidden, but its use may, in individual cases, constitute an endorsement of the Russian war of aggression,” a spokesman said.
“The Russian war of aggression on the Ukraine is a criminal act, and whoever publicly approves of this war of aggression can also make himself liable to prosecution.”
Authorities in Bavaria and Lower Saxony said those convicted could face a fine or up to three years in jail.
A clause of the German criminal code prohibits “incitement to crime of aggression”, although there is debate on how difficult it would be to prosecute ‘Z’-wearers under this law.
In Lithuania, which already has outlawed Soviet and Nazi symbols, lawmakers are debating a ban on the symbol.
Lawmaker Monika Osmianskiene said the symbols "are becoming a symbol not only of propaganda but also of aggression”.
A vote in Lithuania’s parliament is due to take place this week.
If it passes, people who violate a ban could face a fine of up to 500 euros (£422).
