Kyiv issues ban on swastika-like ‘Z’ symbol as new bill outlaws use of Russian propaganda sign 

A bill banning use of symbols of the Russian invasion has been passed in Ukraine.

The letters ‘Z’ and ‘V’, which are now prohibited, have widely been used to show support for the Kremlin’s actions.

The letters were initially used to mark Russian military vehicles.

They were later projected on the side of buildings in Moscow, printed on clothing and promoted by Russian athletes.

Russian soldiers and military vehicles often have a ‘Z’ symbol painted on them, which has now been banned in Ukraine

The ‘V’ symbol is also used by the invading Russian army and the use of it has been prohibited in Ukraine

Ukrainians have described ‘Z’ as the swastika of the current war.

The symbols will still be permitted in Ukraine’s museums, libraries, scientific works and textbooks, the BBC monitoring service reported.

The legislation will also ban use of Russian war symbols and activities aimed at spreading propaganda to undermine Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Margarita Simonyan, the head of state propaganda channel Russia Today, made a bizarre claim that her country ‘could have dealt with Ukraine in hours’ if it had wanted – but the invasion was taking longer because Russians ‘pity’ the Ukrainians.