Ghost of Kyiv is alive in all pilots fighting for Ukraine, says air force

The Ukrainian Air Force last night said the Ghost of Kyiv was “alive” and embodied a “collective image” of Ukrainian pilots fighting Russia around the capital.

Spokesman Yuriy Ignat dismissed claims the legendary figure was Major Stephan Tarabalka, 29, a fighter pilot who was killed last month.

Ukrainian sources had earlier said that Tarabalka, a MiG-29 pilot, was known as the “Ghost of Kyiv” and his helmet and goggles were expected to go on sale at auction in London.

However Ignat said: “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.”