A new tactical symbol, a central square with two overlapping diagonal crosses (X shapes), has been observed on Russian tanks and armored vehicles near Kharkiv, Ukraine, indicating a significant increase in Russia’s military activities. This symbol, spotted over the last few days, is speculated to be related to Russia’s ongoing offensive in northeast Ukraine, particularly around Vovchansk, where Russian forces are attempting to breach Ukrainian defenses. Symbols like these are used for identification friend or foe (IFF) measures in conflict zones to prevent friendly fire incidents. The most notable marking on Russian vehicles early in the 2022 invasion was the ‘Z,’ which became a symbol of support for the war effort.
The introduction of district symbols on Russian armored vehicles prior to the 2022 invasion has been noted, with each Russian military district and Russia-aligned militia in Donbas assigned distinct signs. Russo-Ukrainian Warspotting, a conflict database run by volunteers, has tracked over 10 different symbols used by the Russian army in the field, including the white ‘Z.’ In some cases, Russian vehicles have been seen bearing signs of districts they do not belong to. Markings play a crucial role in distinguishing friendly and enemy vehicles in combat situations, especially in conflicts where both sides may utilize similar equipment.
As Russian forces launch a renewed offensive into Kharkiv, Ukraine, Ukrainian officials have reported that Moscow has made “tactically significant gains” in the northeast region where Kyiv has fewer defenses. Amidst the ongoing conflict, Ukraine is awaiting a much-needed influx of U.S. military aid, with Kyiv rushing additional resources to the northeastern border. The city of Kharkiv, under continuous Russian bombardment, is Ukraine’s second-largest city, and its capture would represent a major advancement for Russia. However, it remains uncertain whether Moscow intends to launch a full-scale assault on the region.
Retired U.S. Marine lieutenant colonel Michael Pursell, who now teaches at George Washington University, highlighted the importance of markings in combat situations for distinguishing between friendly and enemy vehicles, particularly in conflicts like the one in Ukraine where both sides may utilize similar equipment. The implementation of markings, including the new symbol observed on Russian tanks and armored vehicles, may be done to enhance clarity and effectiveness, taking into consideration factors such as drone visibility. However, Pursell noted that the precision of implementation may not always be meticulous in such cases.
The open-source intelligence monitor OSINT Defender has reported on the appearance of the new symbol on Russian tanks and armored vehicles near Kharkiv, signaling a potential escalation in Russia’s military activities in the region. The symbol, with a central square and overlapping diagonal crosses, has been noted within the last few days during offensive operations against the Kharkiv region. As the conflict in Ukraine continues to unfold, with Russian forces making strategic moves in the northeast, the use of symbols on military vehicles serves as a critical component in combat operations to prevent friendly fire incidents and aid in identifying and distinguishing between friendly and enemy forces.
