The Ukrainian Parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, Sunday banned the public display and use of symbols “Z” and “V” and other symbols favored by proponents of Russia’s invasion, likening them to Nazi war propaganda. However, special exceptions have been made for educational purposes.

The invasion’s proponents have used the “Z” symbol since the invasion began in February. Russia’s Ministry of Defense used the “Z” messaging in its social media posts. Russian children in Kazan joined their mothers in creating the “Z” symbol in March. During the Gymnastics World Cup in March, Ivan Kuliak of Russia wore the “Z” on his chest. There was no handshake between Kuliak, who had won bronze, and Ukraine’s Illia Kovtun, who won gold. Kuliak’s actions underlined the tense situation between the countries. As a consequence, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has banned Kuliak for one year.

Around the time Kuliak wore the symbol, the Russian Ministry of Defence explained that the “Z” stands for victory, truth or “denazification,” while “V” refers to the phrases “truth is strength” or “the task will be completed.”

Similar steps have been taken against such symbols by Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia, where tensions with Russia run high. Latvian President Egils Levits, for example, maintains these countries were forcefully annexed by Russia’s predecessor, the Soviet Union, during World War II.

Ukraine’s ban hopes to reduce the power of Russian war efforts within the country. In the same session, the Parliament extended the imposition of martial law for another three months.