Russia ally Kyrgyzstan warns citizens off pro-invasion ‘Z’ symbol

Russian-aligned security services Kyrgyzstan advised citizens on Thursday that wearing the “Z” symbol, which denotes support for Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, might result in prosecution.

Kyrgyzstan’s national security committee told organisations renting out parade uniforms ahead of a holiday marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II not to include the “Z” symbol, as it was “capable of inciting inter-ethnic hatreds”, a crime prosecutable under Kyrgyz law.

In a statement, the committee also warned citizens to refrain from Z-related insignia at the upcoming parade commemorating the victory on May 9.

The Latin alphabet letter has been regularly sighted on the tanks and military uniforms of Russian forces that invaded Ukraine.

The Kremlin has encouraged its popularisation in civilian life, promoting it as a symbol signifying patriotism and national unity.

While reliable polling data is hard to come by, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine appears to have divided public opinion in countries such as Kyrgyzstan and its neighbour Kazakhstan, where there are notable ethnic Russian and Russian-speaking populations.

None of the five states in Muslim-majority Central Asia have directly criticised Moscow, which is an important trade and security partner for the region.

Kazakhstan, the richest country in the region with a substantial ethnic Russian minority, announced this month that it will not hold military parades in May due to the cost.