"Ghost of Kyiv" Ukrainian Pilot Becomes the Stuff of Legend

Reports of a Ukrainian pilot, dubbed “the ghost of Kyiv,” who may have single-handedly shot down six Russian planes, have inspired awe all across the internet.

Whether the story is true or just a myth to bolster the morale of a nation under attack, the Ghost of Kyiv has become a legend in Ukraine and the rest of the world.

While the existence of the lone pilot has not yet been confirmed, Ukrainian citizens claim to have witnessed the aircraft “hunting” Russian fighter planes right over the capital city of Kyiv.

“Kyiv Phantom”. This is legendary UA fighter aircraft pilot, who shut down 6(!) Russian fighter planes during 30 hours. Video in thread pic.twitter.com/vydkx06qTc

— Maria Zolkina (@Mariia_Zolkina) February 25, 2022

Apparently, there's a Ukrainian Fulcrum pilot who's already chalked up six air-to-air kills today against Russian forces. He's being called "The Ghost of Kyiv." Godspeed and happy hunting. #PrayforKyiv #Repost

2X SU-25. 1X SU-27, 1X MiG 29 2X-25. pic.twitter.com/uDAMJedHjw

— Danny Boy O'Connor (@DannyBoy1968) February 25, 2022

“Ghost of Kyiv” lone Ukrainian pilot allegedly shot down six Russian planes

“The Ghost of Kyiv,” who is piloting an MiG-29, has allegedly shot down a total of six Russian aircraft since the invasion — two Su-35 planes, two Su-25 planes, a Su-27 plane and a МіG-29 plane — during just the first day of the Russian invasion on Thursday.

If the reports are true, the pilot would have earned the coveted title of “flying ace,” or a pilot who has shot down more than five enemy aircraft during aerial battle.

I’m begging major media to report on whether “The Ghost of Kyiv” really exists—as if it’s true that today a heroic Ukrainian fighter pilot single-handedly downed *6* Russian jets, this flying ace immediately becomes a stirring symbol of Ukraine’s resistance to Putin’s war crimes. pic.twitter.com/Nmlu68Fknj

— Seth Abramson (@SethAbramson) February 25, 2022

When asked, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense stated that the pilot could be one of a number of highly-experienced pilots who is a member of the military reserve who returned to the Ukrainian Army to fight the invading Russian forces.

Although some people have doubted his existence, others view the Ghost of Kyiv as a symbol of the Ukrainian resistance against Russian forces, and some have even created illustrations for the pilot.

The ghost of Kyiv #ghostofkyiv #StandWithUkraine Godspeed my Friend pic.twitter.com/TDunrdtO93

— Latham Joiner (@latham_joiner) February 25, 2022

Ukrainians resisting Russian invasion

Ukrainian forces, including civilians who have picked up arms to fight, have fought back against Russian troops in the wake of the invasion.

Brave Ukrainian soldiers — all 13 of them — who were guarding a tiny island in the Black Sea refused to surrender to a Russian warship. They held their ground and were killed in a bombardment.

Their defiance in defending their homeland at Snake Island has stirred emotions worldwide as the audio of their final words went viral on Twitter, TikTok and other social media.

The Russian ship gives an ultimatum to the Ukrainians, saying: “I suggest you surrender your weapons and capitulate, otherwise I will open fire, do you copy?”

The Ukrainian guards can then be heard saying “This is it,” before they respond with the words: “Russian warship, go f— yourself.”

Here is the audio of the Snake Island encounter between Russian and Ukrainian navy vessels translated to English.

May the 13 brave Ukrainian heroes rest in power.