Around hundreds of mysterious Russian armored tanks and other military hardware heading closer towards Ukraine border was spotted with letter 'Z' markings.
Videos that circulated on social media sparked rumors that the suspected markings have been used for specific roles amid rising tensions over an imminent invasion.
Aric Toler, Bellingcat reporter says his group has been monitoring Russian military symbols for the last eight years, but they have no idea what they [the Zs] are” and haven't seen them before. "So, assume the worst, I guess/fear," he wrote on Twitter.
Re: the "Zorro Squad", or all the Russian military vehicles that (starting today) have Latin Z's painted on their sides. Ruslan has been monitoring this stuff nonstop for 8 years and has no idea what they are, and hasn't seen it before. So, assume the worst, I guess/fear. https://t.co/PsiWQLjjDX
— Aric Toler (@AricToler) February 20, 2022
According to a report from Independent Russian Telegram channel Hunter's Notes, which closely monitors military movements said all equipment marked with 'Z' was seen near Kursk and in the Shebekino region of Belgorod on the border with Ukraine.
It appears Russian forces near the border are painting markers, in this case "Z", on vehicles to identify different task forces or echelons. Several Msta-S howitzers, R-149MA1 command-staff vehicles, TOS-1A thermobaric MLRS, MT-LB, and BMP-2 in Belgorod. https://t.co/8opEgxX721 pic.twitter.com/ea9VKaXqt9
— Rob Lee (@RALee85) February 19, 2022
Other have speculated that Russia is using World War II strategy to avoid friendly fire accidents in case the action started.
Full video pic.twitter.com/YpMKmY7Ryo
— Michael Sheldon (@Michael1Sheldon) February 19, 2022
I'm very concerned tonight.
— The Intel Crab (@IntelCrab) February 19, 2022
Large columns of RU hardware are moving under the cover of darkness to forward positions. Note the tactical 'Z' markings. https://t.co/7rFVDslyCk
Hundreds of artillery were reported fired and have exploded along the contact line between Ukrainian soldiers and Russian backed separatists on late Saturday, after the NATO chief have warned which suggest that Moscow is readying for a 'full-fledged attack'.
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