Cossack cross

The Cossack cross (Ukrainian: Козацький хрест, romanizedKozatskyi khrest) is a type of cross pattée used by the Ukrainian Ground Forces.[1][2][3][4] It is frequently used in Ukraine as a memorial sign to fallen soldiers[5][6][7][8] and as military awards.[3][9]

A Cossack cross on the flag of the Poltava region
A Cossack cross on the flag of the Volyn region

History

Historically it was used by Cossacks and the Zaporozhian Army.

It has also been adapted as part of the emblem of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine and the Security Service of Ukraine, and is depicted on the flags and coat of arms of several Ukrainian regions, districts and cities, like Konotop, Zinkiv and Zolotonosha.[3][10][11] The Memorial to Ukrainians shot at Sandarmokh uses a Cossack cross.[12][13][8]

As of September during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian forces started to paint a simplified white Cossack cross on their vehicles as an IFF marker designating Ukrainian vehicles from a distance.[14]

Examples

References