“Green ribbons, circulated as a symbol of protest, are increasingly seen on the streets. People tie them on clothes, fences and cars,” said the “Spring” youth movement, which has emerged since the start of the war as one of the most active opponents of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

The colour also reflects the fact Volodymyr Zelensky’s surname is similar to the word “green” in Russian.

In photographs seen by The Telegraph, emerald green ribbons tied to statues, railings and lamp posts in several cities flutter in the breeze, while a video shows people wearing green ribbons on a metro system.

At large anti-war protests at the start of March, several women wore green ribbons on their hair.

Police in Russia appear to have been briefed on the significance of green ribbons; video from recent days shows riot police detaining a young woman wearing a green ribbon tied onto her backpack.

News of the ribbons came as Russian police ramps up its attack on anti-war protesters. Not only are those who mention the war arrested, but even those who say “I am for peace” are rounded up.