Since the beginning of the fighting in Ukraine, a myth has developed around a Ukrainian fighter pilot, known as the "Ghost of Kyiv" and allegedly eliminated quite a few Russian enemy aircraft.
According to various claims, backed by the country's press, the pilot has so far shot down no less than 49 Russian aircraft.
Over the weekend, Ukraine released a photo apparently showing the anonymous fighter pilot.
The pilot, who is sitting in a MiG-2 plane, is seen pointing a missile at his plane, and the caption is aimed directly at the Russian army: "Hello occupier, I am flying for your soul," he threatens.
Is this the "ghost of Kyiv" ?, Photo: Ukraine's official Twitter account
But there is a real question whether the "ghost of Kyiv" is a real person, or an invention of the Ukrainian government with the aim of elevating the spirit of the fighters and civilians who are under constant attack by a much stronger army than them.
In the past, pictures were published that were allegedly his, but turned out to be the face of an American comedian named Sam Hyde.
Excerpts that allegedly showed the man shooting down planes turned out to be a clip from a simulation game.
In the Ukrainian government, however, the myth is cultivated with piety, whether it is true or not.
The official Twitter account of Ukraine describes the man as an "SS" - a pilot who shot down at least five planes, and it was also claimed that he shot down six planes on the first day of the Russian invasion.
There is a belief that it was more than one person who shot down the planes, and together they created the myth.
People call him the Ghost of Kyiv.
And rightly so - this UAF ace dominates the skies over our capital and country, and has already become a nightmare for invading Russian aircrafts.
pic.twitter.com/lngfaMN01I
- Ukraine / Ukraine (@Ukraine) February 27, 2022
In a video posted on Twitter, the Ukrainian government allegedly showed how it shot down enemy planes and wrote: "People rightly call him 'the ghost of Kyiv'. He rules the skies of our capital and country, and has become a nightmare of Russian aircraft."
What can be said with certainty, is that the pilot, whether he is a myth or a real person, has a significant impact on the morale in the country.
Many Ukrainians described the pilot as a "hero" and a "guardian angel."
One Facebook commenter wrote "It's been a long time since they saw and heard from you sir. You are the best of the good."
Were we wrong?
Fixed!
If you found an error in the article, we'll be happy for you to share it with us
