“The Ghost of Kyiv” is capturing everyone’s attention as a symbol of hope and defiance, but today it was announced that one of the real heroes of the conflict was KIA… legendary Su-27 Flanker display pilot, Colonel Oleksandr Oksanchenko. He flew with the 831st Guards Tactical Aviation Brigade from Myrhorod air base, taking part at various European air shows including SIAF, Royal International Air Tattoo and the Czech International Air Fest and won awards for his demonstrations. He retired from the Ukranian Air Force in 2018, and continued to train and consult, but volunteered for active duty upon the Russian invasion of Ukraine. President Zelenskyy of Ukraine awarded Oksanchenko posthumously with the title of “Hero of Ukraine”. And so I was inspired to create this memorial piece of art in his honor. Godspeed Sir.
Read more about the story at The Aviationist
