Shocking footage shows a Putin supporter being branded with the letter ‘Z’ on his chest with a red hot poker.
The clip, which surfaced on Twitter, shows a shirtless man sitting on the floor cross-legged, pushing his chest out as he leans back with his eyes closed as a red hot metal poker moves towards him.
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As the man grimaces, another person presses the poker into his chest, before he jumps up and shouts, fist pumping the air.
The video then cuts to a close-up of the marking left on his chest – the letter ‘Z’, branded into the skin above his left nipple.
The symbol grew in controversy earlier this year after it has been seen painted onto Russian tanks and military vehicles during the invasion of Ukraine, which has been met with widespread condemnation from the international community.
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Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak was also seen sporting the symbol while receiving his bronze medal at the Gymnastics World Cup in March, not long after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine.
After launching an investigation, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) determined this week that Kuliak violated rules by wearing the symbol.
As a result, he was banned from FIG-sanctioned events until at least May 2023, and was ordered to return his bronze model and prize money of 500 Swiss francs (£403).
Kuliak told Russia Today how he wanted show his ‘position’, explaining to the outlet: “If there was a second chance and I had a choice whether to go out with the letter ‘Z’ on my chest or not, I would do the same.
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“I saw it on our military and looked at what this symbol means. It turned out to be ‘for victory’ and ‘for peace’. I just wanted to show my position. As an athlete, I will always fight for victory and play for peace.”
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Russian athletes are currently not allowed to compete under their own flag or have the Russian anthem played.
The FIG also announced that, indefinitely from Monday 7 March, no Russian or Belarusian gymnasts or officials will be allowed at international competitions.
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After Kuliak’s message at the ceremony was spotted, Ukrainian gymnast Oleg Verniaiev shared an Instagram post expressing his rage.
He wrote: “Of course, you will excuse me, but let the Russians not shout that sport is out of politics!
“Congratulations to our guy [the Ukrainian winner], everything is in its place glory to Ukraine.”
Topics: Vladimir Putin, Russia
Jess Hardiman