Ukraine Has Two Shining Symbols Of The Fight For Freedom

The world needs heroes. We need heroes. Sadly, there are few heroes left in the world because it doesn’t sell newspapers or win ratings. However, since the beginning of the Ukraine invasion by Russia, there have been heroes born out of the horrors of war.

The Ghost Of Kyiv

The mysterious Mig pilot dubbed the “Ghost of Kyiv” has quickly gained worldwide attention. Since shooting down 10 Russian fighter jets he’s been revered and thought a myth, but this isn’t a Top Gun movie. These guys the real deal. On Friday, Ukraine’s armed forces warned Russia that the “Ghost of Kyiv” is coming for your soul and released a photo of the hero pilot.

Reports of the “Ghost of Kyiv” have gone viral on social media ever since Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces. In just the short time since the beginning of the war, it is believed the ace fighter pilot has single-handedly shot down 10 Russian planes, an amazing accomplishment for one pilot in such a short period. During the first days of fighting, it’s believed the “Ghost of Kyiv” shot down as many as six enemy fighters in one combat incursion.

Maybe Tom Cruise could take a lesson from the ghost before the next Top Gun sequel…presuming the first sequel does as well as expected.

Heroes Become Legends

Much like the now legendary status of the Ukraine President, the “Ghost of Kyiv” is a symbol to his people. People suffering the horrors of war need symbols to keep their hope alive, to keep them going. The ghost has become that, and more to the people on the ground fighting against the Russian invaders.

Putin had over 1000 combat aircraft before hostilities began, while Ukraine started with a meager 125 craft. Amazingly, the massive Russian army and airforce have not been able to achieve control over the skies of Ukraine. With several of the Russian jets being shot down in the past 17 days, major losses have been dealt to Putin’s Russian forces.

Sadly, despite the successes they’ve had in downing Russian planes, the bombing of major cities in Ukraine has continued.

Volodymyr Zelinsky

The President of Ukraine has remained steadfast in his belief in his people, their sovereignty, and their ability to push back the Russian invasion. While many leaders of a country would have long since gone into hiding, Zelinsky has proven to be a true leader in every way.

At the onset of the war, Zelinsky was offered an evacuation with US assistance. His reported response was inspiring to the world, as much as it must have been to the people in Ukraine. The Ukraine Embassy in Britain reported his answer via Twitter.

“The Fight Is Here; I need ammunition, not a ride.”

— Volodymyr Zelensky

An actor and comedian, this guy’s made of something different than leaders in the United States. However, it's been a while since we've had a Ronald Reagan-style leader in the world. Zelensky might just be our guy for that.

Whether he’s naturally patriotic, a natural-born leader, or purely a brave man in the face of conflict, Volodymyr Zelensky is the leader that the world needed in Ukraine. If Vladimir Putin is going to push further into Europe at some point, the last thing that the world needs is for Putin to have a stranglehold on Ukraine and be able to sit his forces on the border of a NATA country. The last thing the world needs is a World War, and Zelensky and the people of Ukraine are all that seems to stand between us and World War 3.

My Thoughts

Wars are horrible… It goes without saying. I feel for the people of Ukraine and hope that a peaceful resolution is something that can be found in the nearest of futures.

Like the rest of the world, I have found myself feeling a massive amount of respect for Ukraine. Both for the bravery and the resilience of the people that are over there suffering, fighting, and praying for peace. Their country has been decimated by the horrors of this terrible act of aggression. For the first time in my adult life, the Russians are showing why they’ve been regarded as the enemy for such a long time.

My thoughts and prayers are with the soldiers, civilians, and leaders of Ukraine as they continue to give Putin and the Russian army the hell that it deserves. They’re fighting for their freedom, but more than that, they are fighting for their right to exist. The peace-loving people of the world #Stand With Ukraine.