Russia invasion: Mystery ‘Ghost of Kyiv’ fighter in Ukraine skies

Reports of a fighter pilot dubbed the ‘Ghost of Kyiv’ that’s become a “nightmare” for Russian aircraft in Ukraine has captivated the world.

Ukraine has been captivated by reports of a “Ghost of Kyiv” traversing the skies in a Mig-29 fighter and responsible for the downing of at least six Russian aircraft in one day.

The government posted dramatic 30-second video clips on its official site declaring the air ace was now dominating the skies over the embattled capital.

They refuse to identify the pilot but have used his exploits as being a “nightmare for invading Russian aircraft” to flag the number of retired pilots rejoining the service for their country.

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

Photos circulating of a Ukrainian MiG-29 purported to be flown by the claimed "Ghost of Kyiv". Picture: Twitter

One clip apparently showing the fighter pilot has attracted more than five million views.

No-one is really sure if the exploits are true or a single pilot was responsible but there has certainly been evidence of Russian aircraft being brought down but by whom has never been said.

The stories is stunning since few would consider the ageing Mig-29 could be a match for Russia’s more highly fancied Sukhoi-57 multirole fighter.

It is one of the only bright spots on Ukraine’s news cycle which has been dominated by graphic harrowing footage of the dead and injured in Kyiv and elsewhere.

Many believe the so-called Ghost of Kyiv is an imaginary hero designed to inspire the Ukrainian fight back against Russian forces. Many on social media however have begged for it to be true.

Originally published as Russia invasion: Mystery ‘Ghost of Kyiv’ fighter in Ukraine skies