Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, the 'Ghost of Kyiv' was making the rounds because of his spectacular airborne skills as a fighter pilot. Watch this report to know more.

The legend of the Ghost of Kyiv: How the 'Ghost of Kyiv' legend was born

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidhPta1oEwUxoj" /><meta charset="utf-8" />The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has shared an image of a pilot wearing a black visor and oxygen mask, who appears to be in the cockpit of his MiG-29 fighter jet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pilot in the image is said to be the same 'Ghost of Kyiv', the Ukrainian pilot who's assumed to be a myth. Reports claimed&nbsp;that he had shot down at least ten Russian jets during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-ivan-fedorov-mayor-of-ukrainian-city-abducted-by-russian-troops-461462">Ivan Fedorov, mayor of Ukrainian city abducted by Russian troops</a></strong></p>

<p>Amid escalating crisis, he quickly became a symbol of resistance after the story of his bravery emerged during&nbsp;Moscow's "military operation" in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the Facebook post, the general staff of the Ukrainian armed forces wrote, "'Hello, Russian villain, I'm coming for your soul!' – the Ghost of Kyiv."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Details, specifications of the image and identity of the pilot has not been revealed as the picture just shows a person in the cockpit of a fighter jet, with face entirely covered by a black visor and oxygen mask. 'Ghost of Kyiv' is written on the left side of the image.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ&nbsp; |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prevent-him-from-being-killed-or-captured-zelensky-appeals-to-mothers-of-russian-soldiers-461474">'Prevent him from being killed or captured': Zelensky appeals to mothers of Russian soldiers</a></strong></p>

<p>The situation in Ukraine is deteriorating with each day passing with reports of multiple casualties and massive loss&nbsp;of property due to Russian shelling.</p>

<p>The conflict has also led to a refugee crisis as people are leaving&nbsp;Ukrainian cities to save their lives.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, Ukraine has managed to resist the Russian invasion and claimed to have killed many Russian soldiers. During the conflict, Ukraine has also said that it has shot down multiple Russian aircraft.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If intel reports are to be believed, Russia had almost 1,200 combat aircraft before hostilities began. On the other hand, Ukraine had just 124. The's no official statement on the current status and number of aircraft on both sides.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.</strong></em></p>

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<p>Before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, US intelligence had predicted a blistering assault by Moscow that would quickly mobilize the vast Russian air power that its military assembled in order to dominate Ukraine's skies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But so far, the world has seen Moscow acting far more delicately with its airpower, so much so that US officials can't exactly explain what's driving Russia's apparent risk-averse behaviour.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;WION Ground Report from Brovary: Russian forces bombarded cities across Ukraine</strong></p>

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<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></strong></p>


The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has shared an image of a pilot wearing a black visor and oxygen mask, who appears to be in the cockpit of his MiG-29 fighter jet.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has shared an image of a pilot wearing a black visor and oxygen mask, who appears to be in the cockpit of his MiG-29 fighter jet. The pilot in the image is said to be the same 'Ghost of Kyiv', the Ukrainian pilot who's assumed to be a myth. Reports claimed that he had shot down at least ten Russian jets during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. WATCH | Ivan Fedorov, mayor of Ukrainian city abducted by Russian troops Amid escalating crisis, he quickly became a symbol of resistance after the story of his bravery emerged during Moscow's "military operation" in Ukraine. In the Facebook post, the general staff of the Ukrainian armed forces wrote, "'Hello, Russian villain, I'm coming for your soul!' – the Ghost of Kyiv." Details, specifications of the image and identity of the pilot has not been revealed as the picture just shows a person in the cockpit of a fighter jet, with face entirely covered by a black visor and oxygen mask. 'Ghost of Kyiv' is written on the left side of the image. ALSO READ | 'Prevent him from being killed or captured': Zelensky appeals to mothers of Russian soldiers The situation in Ukraine is deteriorating with each day passing with reports of multiple casualties and massive loss of property due to Russian shelling. The conflict has also led to a refugee crisis as people are leaving Ukrainian cities to save their lives. So far, Ukraine has managed to resist the Russian invasion and claimed to have killed many Russian soldiers. During the conflict, Ukraine has also said that it has shot down multiple Russian aircraft. If intel reports are to be believed, Russia had almost 1,200 combat aircraft before hostilities began. On the other hand, Ukraine had just 124. The's no official statement on the current status and number of aircraft on both sides. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. × Before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, US intelligence had predicted a blistering assault by Moscow that would quickly mobilize the vast Russian air power that its military assembled in order to dominate Ukraine's skies. But so far, the world has seen Moscow acting far more delicately with its airpower, so much so that US officials can't exactly explain what's driving Russia's apparent risk-averse behaviour. WATCH | WION Ground Report from Brovary: Russian forces bombarded cities across Ukraine × Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Is that 'Ghost of Kyiv'? Ukraine shares image of pilot who is 'flying for soul' of Russian 'villain'

<p>'Ghost of Kyiv', a Ukrainian fight pilot known to have shot down nearly 40 Russian fighter jets has died in battle, as per a report in The Times of London. The Ukrainian pilot who gained fame for his bravery in the wake of Russian invasion of Ukraine which started on February 24 this year.</p>

<p>The identity of 'Ghost of Kyiv' has also been revealed in the report. The Times of London reported tha Major Stepan Tarabalka.</p>

<p>Media reports say that Major Tarabalka's fighter jet was shot down on March 13 when he was tackling overwhelming number of enemy forces. Major Tarabalka's goggles and helmet are now going to be auctioned.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-says-russia-using-troll-farms-to-spread-disinformation-about-the-ukraine-conflict-475306">Britain says Russia using 'troll farms' to spread disinformation about the Ukraine conflict</a></strong></p>

<p>"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," tweeted official account of Ukraine government on February 22 this year, highlighting the bravery of Major Traabalka.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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. <a href="https://t.co/lngfaMN01I">pic.twitter.com/lngfaMN01I</a></p>
— Ukraine / Україна (@Ukraine) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ukraine/status/1497834538843660291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Major Tarabalka was declared to have shot down 6 Russian fighter jets on the first day of the war.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>The Times reported that Stepan Tarabalka was born in Korolivka, a small village in western Ukraine. He hailed froma working class family. It was his dream to become a fighter pilot since his childhood.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>


'Ghost of Kyiv', a Ukrainian fight pilot known to have shot down nearly 40 Russian fighter jets has died in battle, as per a report in The Times of London. The Ukrainian pilot who gained fame for his bravery in the wake of Russian invasion of Ukraine which started on February 24 this year.

'Ghost of Kyiv', a Ukrainian fight pilot known to have shot down nearly 40 Russian fighter jets has died in battle, as per a report in The Times of London. The Ukrainian pilot who gained fame for his bravery in the wake of Russian invasion of Ukraine which started on February 24 this year. The identity of 'Ghost of Kyiv' has also been revealed in the report. The Times of London reported tha Major Stepan Tarabalka. Media reports say that Major Tarabalka's fighter jet was shot down on March 13 when he was tackling overwhelming number of enemy forces. Major Tarabalka's goggles and helmet are now going to be auctioned. Also Read | Britain says Russia using 'troll farms' to spread disinformation about the Ukraine conflict "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," tweeted official account of Ukraine government on February 22 this year, highlighting the bravery of Major Traabalka. 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 / Україна (@Ukraine) February 27, 2022 × Major Tarabalka was declared to have shot down 6 Russian fighter jets on the first day of the war. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × The Times reported that Stepan Tarabalka was born in Korolivka, a small village in western Ukraine. He hailed froma working class family. It was his dream to become a fighter pilot since his childhood. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

'Ghost of Kyiv' killed in fighting, has shot down 40 Russian jets

<p>Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, 'Ghost of Kyiv', a Ukrainian fighter pilot, has won several hearts as a modern Red Baron. He has reportedly shot down many rival Russians out of the sky while flying a MiG-29 jet. &nbsp;</p>

<p>But the truth about "Ghost of Kyiv" has been revealed by Ukraine’s Air Force. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In a recent report, the "Ghost of Kyiv" was identified as Major Stepan Tarabalka and reported to have got killed in battle on March 13 when he was facing overwhelming number of enemy forces. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-damaged-russian-military-vehicles-lay-strewn-show-glimpses-of-war-in-ukraine-475404" hreflang="en">In Pics: Damaged Russian military vehicles lay strewn, show glimpses of war in Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>Stepan Tarabalka was born in Korolivka, which is a small village in western Ukraine. He also hailed from a working-class family and had always dreamt of becoming a fighter pilot since childhood, said the ‘The Times of London’ report. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Major Tarabalka's goggles and helmet were also going to be auctioned, as per media reports. &nbsp;</p>

<p>These reports can't be true as he never existed, as per Ukraine Air Force Command. &nbsp;</p>

<p>So, the "Ghost of Kyiv" is a myth and not a man. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russian strikes on Ukraine continues, evacuation ops underway in Mariupol</strong></p>

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<p>"Ghost of Kyiv is a superhero-legend, whose character was created by Ukrainians! This is rather a collective image of the pilots of the 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade defending the sky of the capital. Which suddenly appear where they are not expected," the Ukrainian military said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Tarabalka was a "hero," but he was "NOT 'Ghost of Kyiv' and he did NOT hit 40 planes," Ukraine Air Force Command insisted. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Facebook, Ukraine Air Force Command said that he was "heroically killed in an air battle with the dominant forces of the Russian occupiers." &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Ghost of Kyiv is alive and embodies a collective image of the highly qualified pilots of the tactical aviation brigade successfully defending Kyiv and the surrounding region," said Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ignat. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, 'Ghost of Kyiv', a Ukrainian fighter pilot, has won several hearts as a modern Red Baron. He has reportedly shot down many rival Russians out of the sky while flying a MiG-29 jet.

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, 'Ghost of Kyiv', a Ukrainian fighter pilot, has won several hearts as a modern Red Baron. He has reportedly shot down many rival Russians out of the sky while flying a MiG-29 jet. But the truth about "Ghost of Kyiv" has been revealed by Ukraine’s Air Force. In a recent report, the "Ghost of Kyiv" was identified as Major Stepan Tarabalka and reported to have got killed in battle on March 13 when he was facing overwhelming number of enemy forces. Also Read | In Pics: Damaged Russian military vehicles lay strewn, show glimpses of war in Ukraine Stepan Tarabalka was born in Korolivka, which is a small village in western Ukraine. He also hailed from a working-class family and had always dreamt of becoming a fighter pilot since childhood, said the ‘The Times of London’ report. Major Tarabalka's goggles and helmet were also going to be auctioned, as per media reports. These reports can't be true as he never existed, as per Ukraine Air Force Command. So, the "Ghost of Kyiv" is a myth and not a man. Watch: Russian strikes on Ukraine continues, evacuation ops underway in Mariupol × "Ghost of Kyiv is a superhero-legend, whose character was created by Ukrainians! This is rather a collective image of the pilots of the 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade defending the sky of the capital. Which suddenly appear where they are not expected," the Ukrainian military said. Tarabalka was a "hero," but he was "NOT 'Ghost of Kyiv' and he did NOT hit 40 planes," Ukraine Air Force Command insisted. On Facebook, Ukraine Air Force Command said that he was "heroically killed in an air battle with the dominant forces of the Russian occupiers." "The Ghost of Kyiv is alive and embodies a collective image of the highly qualified pilots of the tactical aviation brigade successfully defending Kyiv and the surrounding region," said Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ignat. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Myth or man? Finally, Ukraine’s Air Force clears air about 'Ghost of Kyiv'  

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The legend of the Ghost of Kyiv: How the 'Ghost of Kyiv' legend was born

Is that 'Ghost of Kyiv'? Ukraine shares image of pilot who is 'flying for soul' of Russian 'villain'

'Ghost of Kyiv' killed in fighting, has shot down 40 Russian jets

Myth or man? Finally, Ukraine’s Air Force clears air about 'Ghost of Kyiv'