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Were Kyiv's Fast UFOs Really Nearby Objects?

The Kyiv 'cosmics' and 'phantoms' papers reported extreme speeds, but critics argue that distance errors and near-camera objects could explain the images.

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On this page

  • What the observatory cameras recorded
  • How distance and speed were calculated
  • Insects, projectiles and the near camera problem
Preview for Were Kyiv's Fast UFOs Really Nearby Objects?

Introduction

The 2022 Kyiv camera observations became one of the most widely discussed Ukrainian UFO cases because they appeared to come from professional astronomers rather than eyewitness testimony. Researchers from the Main Astronomical Observatory of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine reported that specially configured meteor-monitoring cameras near Kyiv and Vinarivka had recorded numerous fast-moving unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), including bright “Cosmics” and dark “Phantoms”. Their calculations suggested that some objects were travelling at extraordinary speeds while remaining optically dark.[arXiv]arxiv.orgarXiv Unidentified aerial phenomena I. Observations of eventsUnidentified aerial phenomena I. Observations of eventsAugust 23, 2022…Published: August 23, 2022

Kyiv Cameras illustration 1

The controversy, however, centres less on whether unusual objects appeared in the camera footage than on how their distance, size and speed were inferred. Critics argue that relatively small errors in estimating range could transform apparently extraordinary objects into nearby insects, birds, debris or military projectiles. As a result, the Kyiv camera papers have become an important case study in how sensitive UAP analysis is to assumptions about distance rather than a confirmed demonstration of extraordinary technology.[arXiv]arxiv.orgarXiv"Down to Earth" Limits on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena in Ukraine (Comment on arXiv:2208.11215)October 5, 2022…Published: October 5, 2022

What the observatory cameras recorded

The observations were made using meteor-detection stations installed in Kyiv and the village of Vinarivka south of the capital. Unlike ordinary surveillance cameras, these systems were configured to detect extremely fast-moving objects in daylight by using short exposures, high frame rates and specialised processing intended for meteor research.[arXiv]arxiv.orgarXiv Unidentified aerial phenomena I. Observations of eventsUnidentified aerial phenomena I. Observations of eventsAugust 23, 2022…Published: August 23, 2022

The researchers divided detections into two categories:

  • Cosmics – bright objects appearing more luminous than the daytime sky.
  • Phantoms – dark objects that appeared to absorb rather than reflect light, producing high contrast against the bright sky.

According to the first paper, the team observed solitary objects as well as groups or “squadrons”, with apparent angular speeds between roughly 3 and 15 degrees per second. Using their colour-based analysis, they estimated that many Phantom objects were between 3 and 12 metres across, at distances of approximately 10–12 km, with velocities reaching around 15 km/s (about 54,000 km/h).[arXiv]arxiv.orgarXiv Unidentified aerial phenomena I. Observations of eventsUnidentified aerial phenomena I. Observations of eventsAugust 23, 2022…Published: August 23, 2022

Importantly, the authors did not identify these objects as alien spacecraft. Their papers consistently described them as unidentified phenomena and concentrated on reporting observational measurements rather than proposing an extraterrestrial explanation.[arXiv]arxiv.orgarXiv Unidentified aerial phenomena I. Observations of eventsUnidentified aerial phenomena I. Observations of eventsAugust 23, 2022…Published: August 23, 2022

Avi Loeb vs Ukrainian Astronomers on UFO - UAP Phantoms | All Things Unexplained

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How distance and speed were calculated

The debate hinges almost entirely on geometry.

The Ukrainian team estimated distance primarily through colourimetric analysis. Their argument was that the apparent contrast between a dark object and the blue sky, produced through Rayleigh scattering in the atmosphere, could be used to estimate how far away the object was. Once a distance estimate was obtained, apparent angular motion recorded by the cameras could be converted into physical speed.

This approach means that several quantities depend on a single assumption:

  • estimated distance;
  • estimated physical size;
  • calculated velocity.

If the distance estimate is substantially wrong, the inferred size and speed change proportionally. An object believed to be 10 km away would appear ten times smaller and ten times slower if it were actually only 1 km distant.[arXiv]arxiv.orgarXiv Unidentified aerial phenomena I. Observations of eventsUnidentified aerial phenomena I. Observations of eventsAugust 23, 2022…Published: August 23, 2022

The first paper relied heavily on these inferred distances rather than direct geometric ranging through simultaneous observation from separated cameras. Although the project involved two meteor stations, critics argued that many of the published measurements were not derived from robust triangulation of the same target.[Live Science]livescience.comLive Science Are there really UFOs flying over Ukraine? | Live ScienceLive Science Are there really UFOs flying over Ukraine? | Live Science

Why critics questioned the conclusions

The principal criticism came from two independent directions.

First, Abraham Loeb of Harvard University argued that objects travelling through the lower atmosphere at the reported speeds of up to 15 km/s should generate enormous aerodynamic heating. Such objects would not remain optically black; they should produce brilliant fireballs comparable to meteors or hypersonic re-entry events. He therefore suggested that the inferred distances were likely too large. Reducing those distances by roughly an order of magnitude produced estimated sizes and velocities much more consistent with artillery shells.[arXiv]arxiv.orgarXiv"Down to Earth" Limits on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena in Ukraine (Comment on arXiv:2208.11215)October 5, 2022…Published: October 5, 2022

Second, the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine itself criticised the work. A review concluded that the analysis contained significant methodological errors in determining object distances and that the interpretation failed to meet the expected scientific standard for publication. The Academy stated that the work should not be presented as an official scientific result of the institution.[Live Science]livescience.comLive Science Are there really UFOs flying over Ukraine? | Live ScienceLive Science Are there really UFOs flying over Ukraine? | Live Science

These criticisms did not claim that every recorded object had been identified. Instead, they argued that the extraordinary numerical estimates for speed and size were not sufficiently supported by the measurement method.

Kyiv Cameras illustration 2

Insects, projectiles and the near-camera problem

One of the most influential alternative explanations is known informally as the near-camera problem.

High-speed imaging systems frequently capture nearby objects crossing the field of view:

  • insects;
  • seeds;
  • birds;
  • airborne debris;
  • raindrops;
  • military fragments or projectiles.

Without an independent measurement of distance, a small nearby object can produce the same apparent angular motion as a much larger distant object.

For example, a fly passing close to the lens may cross the image extremely quickly while remaining sharply silhouetted against the sky. If software assumes that object is kilometres away rather than metres away, its inferred dimensions and velocity become vastly inflated. Similar reasoning applies to fragments of debris or artillery moving through wartime airspace.[arxiv.org]arxiv.orgarXiv"Down to Earth" Limits on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena in Ukraine (Comment on arXiv:2208.11215)October 5, 2022…Published: October 5, 2022

This explanation also addresses another apparent paradox in the original report. Objects allegedly travelling at hypersonic speeds within the atmosphere would be expected to produce conspicuous heating, shock effects or luminous plasma. Nearby slow-moving objects require no such extraordinary behaviour because the extreme velocity disappears once the distance estimate changes.[arXiv]arxiv.orgarXiv"Down to Earth" Limits on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena in Ukraine (Comment on arXiv:2208.11215)October 5, 2022…Published: October 5, 2022

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Did later papers resolve the criticism?

The Ukrainian researchers continued publishing follow-up preprints describing additional observations and refinements to their methods. Later papers reported further detections from Kyiv and Vinarivka, including two-station observations and additional estimates for high-altitude objects. The authors maintained that unusual phenomena were being recorded and continued to avoid assigning a definitive origin.[arXiv]arxiv.orgarXiv Unidentified aerial phenomena II. Evaluation of UAP propertiesUnidentified aerial phenomena II. Evaluation of UAP propertiesNovember 13, 2022…Published: November 13, 2022

However, these later publications did not produce a broad scientific consensus that the original distance problem had been solved. Most remained preprints rather than widely peer-reviewed journal articles, and the central methodological debate over range estimation persisted. Consequently, the subsequent papers expanded the dataset but did not eliminate the main criticism concerning inferred speed and size.[arXiv]arxiv.orgarXiv Unidentified aerial phenomena II. Evaluation of UAP propertiesUnidentified aerial phenomena II. Evaluation of UAP propertiesNovember 13, 2022…Published: November 13, 2022

Kyiv Astronomers capture “UAPs everywhere” using meteor-tracking software

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What this case means within Ukraine’s UAP record

Within Ukraine’s broader catalogue of UFO and UAP reports, the Kyiv camera observations stand out because they rely on instrumental measurements rather than eyewitness testimony. That gives them scientific value even if many interpretations remain disputed.

The case also illustrates several broader lessons relevant to evaluating Ukrainian UAP claims:

  • Instrumental observations are generally stronger evidence than anecdotal sightings, but only if their calibration and geometry are robust.
  • Extraordinary velocity estimates are highly sensitive to distance assumptions.
  • Wartime airspace contains numerous conventional objects—including drones, artillery, missiles and debris—that complicate interpretation.
  • Remaining “unidentified” does not imply an extraterrestrial explanation; it often reflects incomplete information or insufficient measurement precision.

For these reasons, the Kyiv camera papers are best understood as an unresolved observational dataset whose most extraordinary quantitative claims have faced substantial methodological criticism. The cameras almost certainly recorded genuine fast-moving objects, but the published estimates of their size and speed remain controversial because they depend critically on distance calculations that many astronomers consider inadequately established.[arxiv.org]arxiv.orgarXiv Unidentified aerial phenomena I. Observations of eventsUnidentified aerial phenomena I. Observations of eventsAugust 23, 2022…Published: August 23, 2022

Kyiv Cameras illustration 3

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Endnotes

1. Source: arxiv.org
Title: arXiv Unidentified aerial phenomena I. Observations of events
Link:https://arxiv.org/abs/2208.11215

Source snippet

Unidentified aerial phenomena I. Observations of eventsAugust 23, 2022...

Published: August 23, 2022

2. Source: arxiv.org
Link:https://arxiv.org/abs/2210.01972

Source snippet

arXiv"Down to Earth" Limits on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena in Ukraine (Comment on arXiv:2208.11215)October 5, 2022...

Published: October 5, 2022

3. Source: space.com
Title: There aren’t actually UFOs over Ukraine, experts say | Space
Link:https://www.space.com/ukraine-uap-report-debunked

Source snippet

There aren't actually UFOs over Ukraine, experts say | Space...

4. Source: pocketmags.com
Title: ufos over kyiv
Link:https://pocketmags.com/skeptical-inquirer-magazine/janfeb-2023/articles/ufos-over-kyiv

Source snippet

UFOs over Kyiv | Skeptical Inquirer Jan/Feb 2023...

5. Source: arxiv.org
Title: arXiv Unidentified aerial phenomena II. Evaluation of UAP properties
Link:https://arxiv.org/abs/2211.17085

Source snippet

Unidentified aerial phenomena II. Evaluation of UAP propertiesNovember 13, 2022...

Published: November 13, 2022

6. Source: arxiv.org
Title: arXiv Unidentified aerial phenomena. Observations of variable objects
Link:https://arxiv.org/abs/2306.13664

7. Source: space.com
Link:https://www.space.com/ukraine-ufo-uap-report?trk=public_post_comment-text

8. Source: space.com
Link:https://www.space.com/ukraine-ufo-uap-report

9. Source: pocketmags.com
Title: ufos over kyiv
Link:https://pocketmags.com/us/skeptical-inquirer-magazine/janfeb-2023/articles/ufos-over-kyiv

10. Source: livescience.com
Title: Live Science Ukraine says UFOs are all over the country | Live Science
Link:https://www.livescience.com/ukraine-ufo-uap-report

11. Source: livescience.com
Title: Live Science Are there really UFOs flying over Ukraine? | Live Science
Link:https://www.livescience.com/ukraine-uap-report-debunked

12. Source: livescience.com
Link:https://www.livescience.com/space/extraterrestrial-life/no-easy-explanation-scientists-are-debating-a-70-year-old-ufo-mystery-as-new-images-come-to-light

Source snippet

November 29, 2025 — 'NO EASY EXPLANATION': SCIENTISTS ARE DEBATING A 70-YEAR-OLD UFO MYSTERY AS NEW IMAGES COME TO LIGHT Two new peer-rev...

Published: November 29, 2025

13. Source: arxiver.moonhats.com
Title: unidentified aerial phenomena i observations of events ima
Link:https://arxiver.moonhats.com/2022/08/25/unidentified-aerial-phenomena-i-observations-of-events-ima/

14. Source: livescience.com
Title: Is the ‘UFO Mothership Over London’ Video Real? | Live Science
Link:https://www.livescience.com/33362-ufo-london-mothership.html

15. Source: livescience.com
Title: UF O Hoax Was a Social Experiment | Live Science
Link:https://www.livescience.com/5398-ufo-hoax-social-experiment.html

Additional References

16. Source: youtube.com
Title: UFOs Are Everywhere in the Skies Above Ukraine, Say Astronomers
Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4e-mLZXdbFY

Source snippet

Down to Earth: Limits on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena with Avi Loeb Down to Earth: Limits on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena with Avi Loeb...

17. Source: youtube.com
Title: Avi Loeb vs Ukrainian Astronomers on UFO
Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUZUU6z7OIY

Source snippet

UFOs Are Everywhere in the Skies Above Ukraine, Say Astronomers...

18. Source: youtube.com
Title: Down to Earth: Limits on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena with Avi Loeb
Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci5tQ89iUpI

Source snippet

Avi Loeb vs Ukrainian Astronomers on UFO - UAP Phantoms | All Things Unexplained...

19. Source: youtube.com
Title: Kyiv Astronomers capture “UAPs everywhere” using meteor-tracking software
Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2ZSlLH0TzE

Source snippet

Down to Earth: Limits on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena with Avi Loeb...

20. Source: youtube.com
Title: “UAPs Everywhere”
Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWQ12f6d2Sc

Source snippet

Kyiv Astronomers capture “UAPs everywhere” using meteor-tracking software...

21. Source: researchgate.net
Link:https://www.researchgate.net/publication/362908331_Unidentified_aerial_phenomena_I_Observations_of_events?_tp=eyJjb250ZXh0Ijp7InBhZ2UiOiJzY2llbnRpZmljQ29udHJpYnV0aW9ucyIsInByZXZpb3VzUGFnZSI6bnVsbCwic3ViUGFnZSI6bnVsbH19

22. Source: researchgate.net
Link:https://www.researchgate.net/publication/365655388_Unidentified_aerial_phenomena_Properties_of_bright_objects

23. Source: renfrewshireastro.co.uk
Link:https://renfrewshireastro.co.uk/unidentified-aerial-phenomena-ii-evaluation-of-uap-properties-arxiv2211-17085v1-physics-pop-ph

24. Source: renfrewshireastro.co.uk
Link:https://renfrewshireastro.co.uk/unidentified-aerial-phenomena-i-observations-of-events-arxiv2208-11215v1-astro-ph-im

25. Source: thedebrief.org
Title: Controversial Ukrainian UAP Study Shot Down in Statement by Scientific Council
Link:https://thedebrief.org/controversial-ukrainian-uap-study-shot-down-in-statement-by-scientific-council/