On February 20, two police officers, Yuliia Keleberda and Yevhen Kalhan, were tragically killed during an evacuation operation in the Kupiansk district of Ukraine when their vehicle was struck by a Russian drone. This incident occurred while they were carrying out their duties with the White Angels unit, known for its efforts in evacuating civilians from dangerous areas. A third officer was injured in the attack, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by law enforcement in conflict zones.

The strike occurred near Serednii Burluk, where the officers, operating in a reinforced police vehicle, were responding to the needs of civilians in an area impacted by the conflict. The involvement of drone strikes in this scenario underscores the implications of modern warfare tactics, as unmanned aerial vehicles increasingly play a role in targeting personnel involved in humanitarian efforts. The loss of these officers draws attention to the sacrifices made by emergency responders and law enforcement professionals in dangerous conditions.

In the aftermath of the incident, the National Police of Ukraine expressed profound condolences to the families and friends of the fallen officers. Yuliia Keleberda and Yevhen Kalhan were commended for their dedicated service since the inception of the White Angels unit, where they undertook numerous missions aimed at saving lives in perilous circumstances. Their deaths serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of the conflict and the ongoing situation in Ukraine, as well as the resilience of those who continue to serve amid danger.