‘Ghost of Kyiv’ legend of Ukrainian pilot who downed 6 Russian craft goes viral

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Users on Twitter are hoping the urban legend tales of the heroics of a sole Ukrainian pilot are true after stories of him allegedly taking down six Russian aircraft gave him the name the “Ghost of Kyiv”.

The world has watched as Russia began its attack on Ukraine yesterday (February 24) with a number of airstrikes.

The Ukrainian military has continued to fight following Russia’s invasion, drawing praise and thanks from Ukrainians and people all over the world.

A tale of a heroic pilot has surfaced with users on social media hoping the rumours of the brave Ukrainian are true after they allegedly took down six Russian aircraft.

The feat of downing five or more aircraft in aerial combat is called ace and if true, the “Ghost of Kyiv” could be the first to record this feat in the 21st century.

The unconfirmed reports of the pilot’s heroics are said to have come from the frontlines and quickly spread onto social media.

The alleged heroism of the “Ghost of Kyiv” in their MiG-29 fighter jet has been seen as a symbol of hope with several videos circulating of the same type of jet spotted flying through the skies.

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According to Spanish Publication Marca, the pilot is believed to have downed 2 SU-35 fighters, 1 SU-27, 1 MiG-29, and 2 SU-25 planes.

Although no official reports of a single pilot achieving such a feat, Twitter has been captivated by the tale.

One user said: “Ghost of Kyiv protects thousands of lives. Bless you, dear brave Ukrainian soldier.”

While another posted: “Reading about the Ghost of Kyiv is giving me chills. Ukrainian courage and excellence might actually have a chance.”

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Other users have been posting “long live the Ghost of Kyiv” as people are trying to work out if the heroics are really true.

Even the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has been accused of “hyping up” the “Ghost of Kyiv” stories.

In a tweet, the Defence of Ukraine said: “Dozens of experienced military pilots from the captain to the general, who had previously been discharged from the reserve, are returning to the Air Force of the Armed Forces.

“Who knows, maybe one of them is the air avenger on the MiG-29, which is so often seen by Kyivites!”

  • Ukraine
  • Russia
  • Military
  • Twitter

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