New Delhi: As Russian forces moved deep into Ukraine on the second day of the invasion, reports of an Ukrainian pilot, being called 'Ghost of Kyiv', shooting down six Russian aircraft have gone viral.
On Friday, several social media handles shared clips of of an MiG-29 jet flying around several cities in Ukraine. Many Ukrainians have drawn inspiration from the mysterious pilot, bringing hope to the war-torn nation.
Since morning, Twitter has been abuzz with videos of "Ghost of Kyiv". Many are calling the pilot the "first European Ace since World War II". In aerial warfare terminology, an 'ace' is a pilot who has shot down at least five enemy aircraft in combat.
RUSSIA-UKRAINE CONFLICT: READ FULL COVERAGE
However, there has been no confirmation if the 'Ghost of Kyiv' truly exists. It also must be noted that such a feat has been accomplished by very few fighter pilots in their entire career.
What we know is that the Ukrainian forces have claimed it downed seven Russian aircraft and four helicopters during Thursday's conflict.
Some reports have claimed that the MiG-29 pilot shot down two Su-35s, one Su-27, one MiG-29 and two Su-25 jets.
Earlier in teh day, Ukraine's Ministry of Defence shared an image of a MiG-29. "Dozens of experienced military pilots from the captain to the general, who had previously been discharged from the reserve, are returning to the Air Force of the Armed Forces. Who knows, maybe one of them is the air avenger on the MiG-29, which is so often seen by Kyivites!" it tweeted.
On Friday, Russian forces pressed its invasion to the outskirts of Ukraine's capital Kyiv after unleashing airstrikes on cities and military bases.
Ukraine President Zelensky said 137 Ukrainians, both military personnel and civilians, had been killed since the start of the attack early Thursday, AFP reported.