Heroic Ukrainian pilot Valentyn Korenchuk honored in Kyiv memorial
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A solemn farewell was held in Kyiv for Colonel Valentyn Korenchuk, a distinguished combat pilot from the 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade, reported by the Air Command Center on June 18.
Colonel Korenchuk, whose call sign was "Bdzholyar," tragically lost his life during a combat mission in late April 2024, while defending Ukraine's airspace amidst ongoing Russian aggression.
Throughout the conflict, Korenchuk engaged in numerous aerial battles over Kyiv and central Ukraine, achieving multiple victories against enemy forces. One of his most notable accomplishments was downing a Russian attack aircraft near Kyiv, an act of bravery that earned him the prestigious State Order for Courage (III class) and helped inspire the legend of the "Ghost of Kyiv," a symbol of resistance that gained global recognition.
At the memorial service, fellow soldier Andriy Snizhko shared insights with NV journalist Natalia Rop about the origins of the "Ghost of Kyiv" legend. "We recorded a short interview with them; it was even done informally, without his official regalia," Snizhko recalled. "After the interview, one of the journalists remarked that they were working like real ghosts. That's when stories of the 'Ghosts of Kyiv' began to circulate."
Korenchuk also shared a covert tactic used during the conflict, revealing a psychological warfare tactic that involved misinformation. "They sent Russians information that a squadron of 'Ghosts of Kyiv' had taken off, even though no Ukrainian jets were in the sky," Korenchuk had confided. "But we simulated it on the radio, and they saw on radar how a group of Russians came in, heard it, and turned around and ran."
Beyond his combat achievements, Korenchuk was instrumental in advocating for the modernization of Ukraine’s combat aviation. He led a public campaign to acquire modern F-16 aircraft for the Ukrainian armed forces, marking significant progress in the country's military capabilities.
Colonel Korenchuk's contributions extended beyond his military duties; he was a father to three children and a role model of resilience and courage. His final missions, particularly those protecting strategic locations in Kyiv, exemplified his skill and bravery. His legacy, as Snizhko noted, will endure in the annals of Ukrainian aviation history.
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