![](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/178AC/production/_123582469_index_promo_976_v2-nc.jpg)
Russian special forces veteran Sergey Kuvykin told the Russian magazine website, Life, that different symbols signified different military units. “Symbols like these are used – a ‘Z’ in a square, a ‘Z’ in a circle, a ‘Z’ with a star or simply ‘Z’ on its own.” He said the markings helped make sure that troops, who might not be in contact with other comrades, were where they should be.