Disclaimer: There is speculation the actions performed by the ace may be exaggerated. 

On the 25th of February, missiles rained down on the cities of Ukraine. Gray skies painted with fired streaks loomed over the citizens, unaccustomed to the lethal bombardment Russia was imposing. But the Ukrainians, motivated, continued to hold off Russian soldiers. This, so far, has been the outlook of the war: might against fierce motivation. Russia has the second-mightiest military in the world, but Ukrainians, who first gained their independence upon the Soviet Union breaking up in 1991, are determined to preserve their country. Nationalist views and constant prejudice against them from their former country created a sense of unity, a fierce fight that is shown through multiple videos and events that the Ukranians are not surrendering. They will fight, quite literally, to the death for Ukraine, with whatever they have. There is no greater example of this than the mysterious ace silently gliding through Ukraine’s skies. Quiet, deadly, Kyiv’s protector is the perfect image of the Ukranians’ fight. He is called the Ghost of Kyiv.

Who is the Ghost of Kyiv?

“Reports are coming that a Ukrainian pilot has shot down six Russian Aircraft today, and might have possibly become the first 21st century fighter ace. The pilot, known as ‘the Ghost of Kyiv’, and his MiG-29 were seen in numerous videos from today,” wrote Twitter user Visegrad 24, who has about 93,000 followers. Videos of this mysterious fighter surfaced on the first day of the conflict, February 23rd. It was rumored that same day, the retired pilot had taken to the skies to defend his home country, single-handedly foiling six Russian planes. Labeled the “Ghost of Kyiv” by his people, the videos went viral on social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, Twitter, and YouTube.

Why is the Ghost of Kyiv So Important?

It’s more than just taking down planes. The Ghost of Kyiv represents the Ukrainian people at the moment, fighting unselfishly for their country. This is a man who was retired, who technically had done his part serving his country, yet took out his plane and risked his life even more to protect his country. There was no “I cannot fix anything by myself” mentality, no laziness or cowering on his part. The Ghost of Kyiv, whoever he may be, can go down in history for being a true Ukrainian, willing to serve his country outside of requirements to do so.

He is not the only one. Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, refused to flee his country. He continues to visit wounded soldiers, continues to speak out with motivational messages from Kyiv, which is being heavily bombed. He is at extremely high risk, as president, of assassination, kidnapping, or worse, by the Russians, yet he will not leave his country, his people. And of course, the Ukrainian people themselves continue to defy the Russians day by day. Regular people take up arms, spit at soldiers on the street, protest against them and refuse to leave even when gunshots from the Russian soldiers ring out amongst the crowd. They take in Russian traitors, who refuse to fight against, arguably, their brothers, and continue to try to help those around them. The Ukrainian people refuse to give up easily, and will lay down their lives before allowing the Russians to take over their country. 

The Ghost of Kyiv is a symbol of the fight of the Ukrainians. Russia had expected to take down Ukraine almost instantly, but they did not account for the pure pride the Ukrainians had in their country. Though small, with not the greatest military, what Ukraine lacks in arms they make up for in sheer will. Arguably, this is just as important. Things will only get more messy on both sides. Russia has its own complications going on at the moment, with sanctions causing disastrous economic ruin. Ukraine, obviously, is undergoing tragedies so terrifying I cannot properly describe them in simple words. As always, prayers are with Ukraine. And of course, may the legendary Ghost of Kyiv, who has recently said he was “coming for Russia’s soul,” be recognized largely for his immense bravery and incredibly admirable sense of duty towards his country.