"Ghost of Kyiv" Real Or Urban Legend? Some Facts About Ukraine's "Ace"

The "Ghost of Kyiv" would likely turn out to be an urban legend, some military analysts have said

A Ukrainian fighter pilot has been credited with shooting down 10 Russian jets on Day 1 of the invasion. Though this claim is unverified, some Ukrainian ministers and local media have said the pilot, whose identity is unknown and quickly got the name "Ghost of Kyiv", flew a MiG-29 on his road to becoming an ace - a pilot who scores five or more kills. 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

The "Ghost of Kyiv" would likely turn out to be an urban legend, some military analysts have said, but is nonetheless serving as a massive morale booster for the Ukrainian forces in the face of overwhelming odds.

The combined strength of the invading Russian forces - land, air and sea - outnumber the Ukrainians. But the "Ghost of Kyiv" and reports of Ukrainian soldiers making brave last stands, which have been shared widely on social media, have helped Ukrainians stay optimistic despite the big threat that they face.

"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," the official Twitter account representing Ukraine tweeted.