Fatal Drone Strike Claims Lives of Ukrainian Police Officers

On February 20, 2026, two police officers from Ukraine's National Police were killed in a drone strike while conducting a civilian evacuation mission near the village of Seredniy Burluk in the Kupiansk district. The officers, Yuliia Keleberda, 23, and Yevhen Kalhan, 39, were part of the "White Angels" special forces unit, which has been involved in numerous operations aimed at rescuing vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. The vehicle they were in was struck by a Russian Lancet loitering munition, resulting in fatal injuries for both officers.

The "White Angels" unit was established to carry out high-risk evacuation missions in areas heavily affected by conflict. Keleberda and Kalhan had been with the unit since its inception, participating in countless operations in hazardous locations. This incident marks a continuation of hostilities, as Russian forces have previously targeted humanitarian efforts, including a recent attack on a vehicle belonging to Serhii Nikorych, the acting head of the village of Oskil, who was delivering essential supplies to residents.

Keleberda is survived by her parents, while Kalhan leaves behind his wife, mother, and two children, aged 16 and 7. The loss of these officers has been deeply felt within their community and among their colleagues, who recognized their bravery and commitment to saving lives in dangerous conditions.

The National Police of Ukraine expressed sorrow over the loss of Keleberda and Kalhan, highlighting their dedication to humanitarian efforts. They stated, "They carried out numerous missions to the most dangerous settlements, evacuating dozens of families... Sadly, this evacuation became their last." This sentiment underscores the risks faced by those involved in civilian rescue operations amid ongoing conflict.

The attack has drawn criticism regarding the targeting of humanitarian missions in Ukraine. Observers have raised concerns about the implications of such strikes on civilian safety and the broader humanitarian crisis in the region. The targeting of evacuation vehicles and humanitarian efforts has been condemned by various human rights organizations, emphasizing the need for accountability in conflict zones.

While the details surrounding the drone strike are consistent across reports, there is a lack of information regarding the broader context of Russian military operations in the area. Previous attacks on humanitarian missions, including those targeting UN trucks in the Kherson region, indicate a pattern of aggression that warrants further investigation.

• “They carried out numerous missions to the most dangerous settlements, evacuating dozens of families, including children, elderly people, and persons with disabilities. They repeatedly risked their lives to save others. Sadly, this evacuation became their last,” — National Police of Ukraine

• “The NPU further noted that Keleberda and Kolhan had been with the “White Angels” unit since its inception, taking part in countless operations in the most hazardous locations, rescuing families, and evacuating children, elderly people, and individuals with disabilities.” — National Police of Ukraine

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing dangers faced by those involved in humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, as well as the urgent need for protective measures for civilians in conflict zones.