After Russia's invasion of Ukraine began Feb. 24, rumors circulated online that a mysterious Ukrainian pilot, dubbed the "Ghost of Kyiv," single-handedly took down six Russian jets.
The story and the identity of the pilot haven't been verified, according to independent fact-checking organizations. But social media users claim an American comedian is the man behind the myth.
A Facebook post shared Feb. 25 shows a a photo of a man in a military uniform sitting in an aircraft.
"Ukrainian fighter-ace known as the 'Ghost of Kyiv's real name is Samuyil Hyde (sic), a 36 year old who was identified as the Mig-29 Pilot accredited with downing 6 Russian Jets," reads the caption of the post.
The post generated more than 11,000 shares in less than a week. Similar posts have amassed hundreds of interactions on Instagram and Twitter.
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But the claim is false, as independent fact-checking organizations have reported. The image in the post is altered. Hyde has previously been falsely linked to numerous tragedies, from mass shootings to the coronavirus pandemic.
USA TODAY reached out to social media users who shared the claim for comment.
USA TODAY did not find evidence that Hyde took down six Russian jets, or that he is based in Ukraine. Hyde is a comedian who has previously been the subject of online misinformation.
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