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The Z and V symbols are seen in Moscow, Russia. Photo/sputnik
KIEV – Ukraine restricted the use of the letters “Z” and “V” on personalized license plates. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine announced this on Friday (28/4/2023).
The two letters are commonly associated with “Russian aggression” against Ukraine, according to the ministry, explaining the reasons for its action.
Although the letters were not subject to the blanket ban, from now on they cannot be used as stand-alone symbols on plates or as substitutes for Cyrillic letters that sound similar in words.
The letters Z and V originally appeared as tactical markings used on equipment by various Russian troop groups at the start of hostilities between Moscow and Kiev in February 2022.
Its use as a symbol later went viral, appearing on various merchandise and memorabilia related to military operations.
However, Ukraine did not target other symbols associated with the hostilities, such as the letter “O” which has been commonly used as a Russian tactical mark as well.
The inertia towards the letter “O” probably stems from the fact that it is effectively impossible to distinguish the Cyrillic “O” from its Latin letter, which would further complicate enforcement of such a rule.
(she)
