Civilian aircraft with PTNPNH codes offensive to Putin fly in the skies over Ukraine
Two civilian aircraft with call signs PTNPNH1 and PTNPNH2 were spotted in the skies over Ukraine, with Flightradar24 displaying their data as "Unknown / Various". This was reported by military journalist Andriy Tsaplienko in his telegram channel. One of the planes was spotted near Odesa and the border with Moldova, the other near Dnipro and Cherkasy.
Screenshots from Flightradar24. Collage: gagadget
What is known about the flights
On the Flightradar24 service, both aircraft are shown with an incorrect transponder code ("Invalid transponder code"), and there is no information about the type of aircraft, destination airport or even the airline. Videos made by local residents showing a civilian aircraft flying in the sky over Ukraine are being shared on social media. Some have already suggested that the video shows an An-124 Ruslan aircraft. The gg editorial team is unable to verify this information.
Data on the flight of an unknown aircraft. Illustration: Telegram channel of Andriy Tsapliyenko
Context.
Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion on 24 February 2022, Ukraine has completely closed its airspace to civil aviation. This decision was made by the State Aviation Administration of Ukraine and supported by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) due to the high level of threat to civilian aircraft flying over the war zone.
Russia has been actively using long-range missiles and kamikaze drones to strike targets in Ukraine. Air defence systems are constantly operating, creating a chaotic and dangerous environment for any aircraft. The risk of a civilian flight coming under fire or being mistakenly shot down by air defences remains extremely high.
The PNX PTH memo
"PTN PNH" is a shortened version of the phrase "Putin is a dick", which appeared in Ukraine in early 2014 as a reaction to the annexation of Crimea and the beginning of Russian aggression. Its laconic format made it one of the most famous symbols of resistance, and thanks to its brevity, it quickly turned into a meme that could be easily applied to banners, stickers, graffiti, and even military equipment.
The phrase began to appear in large numbers during protests and patriotic rallies in the spring of 2014. It reflected popular outrage at Russia's policy and became a kind of "meme slogan" of the Ukrainian resistance. The inscription became most popular against the backdrop of military events in Donbas and Crimea.
After Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the inscription "PTN PNH" gained a second wind. It is used on social media as a hashtag, as well as by the Armed Forces of Ukraine to designate trophy or destroyed enemy equipment. This meme has become not only an element of humour, but also a symbol of psychological resistance.
