The Russian 'Z' symbol - what it means and where the military symbol came from

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

The letter 'Z' has been seen daubed on the side of Russian tanks as Vladimir Putin's troops launched their invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.

Now, the motif seems to have gained recognition as a symbol of support for Russia's attack. Most notably, the 'Z' was spotted on the chest of an athlete as he stood on the podium at the Gymnastics World Cup event in Doha on Saturday. READ MORE: 'Incredible' Manchester welcomes Ukrainian journalist who fled Kyiv with food, flowers and hugs The 20-year-old’s move was condemned as “shocking behaviour” by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), which has asked its Gymnastics Ethics Foundation to launch an investigation.

Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak, who attached the letter to his chest before receiving his bronze medal in the parallel bars, an event won by Ukraine’s Illia Kovtun, has now spoken out about the bold move.

He said he has no regrets over wearing the symbol in support of the invasion of Ukraine. “If there was a second chance and I had a choice whether to go out with the letter ‘Z’ on my chest or not, I would do the same," the young athlete told Russia Today. “I saw it on our military and looked at what this symbol means.