It is the Force (of Star Wars) along with Ukraine? Kiev released video of its top military commander Valery Zalusny, apparently to refute Russian claims that he has been killed, injured or has fled Ukraine. But the show was stolen by a decorative badge on Zaluzny’s uniform, which depicts Baby Yoda from the Star Wars-inspired TV series The Mandalorian.

The video was released by the General Staff late Monday night, and shows Ukrainian Army Commander-in-Chief Valery Zaluzny studying maps with other generals. A clock can be seen in one shot, indicating that the video was taken on Saturday.

Russia has repeatedly hinted that something may have happened to Zaluzny, who is now leading the Ukrainian counteroffensive against the Russian military. He has a habit of avoiding public appearances for long periods of time, which Kiev says is necessary for security reasons.

The video shows Zaluzny in a military uniform that carried a decoration in the form of Grogof the pointy-eared fictional hero better known as ‘Baby Yoda’, from Disney’s hit TV series The Mandalorian set in the Star Wars universe.

Was it a playful touch from the gruff-faced commander known for his deadpan humour? Was it an attempt by Kiev to send a message? The Ukrainian military had no comment. The spokesman for the General Staff referred Reuters to an aide to Zaluzny who did not respond to a request for comment.

Ukrainian netizens took to the image, creating memes associated with Yoda, who despite his small stature and cuddly appearance, turns out to be an unexpectedly formidable fighter.

Many of them featured the line of the series’ Mandalorian warrior race: “This is the way”. One featured Yoda wearing an insignia depicting Zaluzny.