The dream of becoming a police officer appeared in Vladyslav Kovalov as a child. Already in high school, he finally decided on his future profession, so after school he entered Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs at Faculty No. 2, where he studied in the specialty “Law Enforcement Activities”. In 2020, he received a diploma, an officer’s rank and began serving in the National Police of Ukraine.
The first place of service was the criminal investigation department. Later, Vladyslav successfully passed the competitive selection for the “Community Police Officer” project. It was in this position that he encountered a full-scale invasion.
“For me, the main motivation has always been to help people. I wanted to be where I was really needed,” says the university graduate.
After February 24, 2022, together with volunteers, he helped evacuate people who were leaving dangerous areas of Kharkiv region, delivered humanitarian aid and supported those who lost their homes due to the war. It was then that he realized that he wanted to join the White Angels unit.
Vladyslav still remembers his first evacuation trip. He says that the excitement was strong, because before that he only knew about such work from videos. But there were experienced colleagues nearby who helped him adapt quickly.
“Only stupid people are not afraid. There is excitement before each trip. But when the work begins, you no longer think about yourself. You understand that the lives of people and your crew depend on your decisions,” he says.
Over the years of service as part of the White Angels unit, Vladyslav took part in dozens of evacuations. He recalls the rescue of a lonely lying woman from Kupiansk direction as one of the most difficult. Due to constant shelling, it was impossible to reach her for a long time. Only when the weather conditions made it possible to safely enter the settlement did the crew set out to help.
“She no longer believed that anyone would come for her. We were able to evacuate her, and now she is safe. It is for moments like these that we work,” says the policeman.
During evacuations, the White Angels rescue not only people. If the operational situation allows, they also take out pets along with their owners. There are always cages for cats and dogs in the service armored car, because often people agree to leave a dangerous area only when they know that their pets will not be abandoned either.
The hardest thing about this job, Vladyslav admits, is losing brothers and sisters. With particular pain, he remembers Yulia Keleberda, a graduate of Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs, who died during the evacuation of civilians.
“She was a very bright person, a true professional. Always ready to help, always smiling. Despite her fragility, she was a strong officer who could be relied on. Yulia remained faithful to the Oath until the last, saving others,” Vladyslav recalls.
He recalls his years of study at Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs with special warmth and pride. It was his cadet years, a convinced police officer, that taught him discipline, responsibility, endurance, and the ability to work in a team.
“When you study, it seems that all these requirements and discipline are too strict. But later you understand: it is the university that forms an officer. This helps every day in the service, especially when you have to work in conditions of constant danger.”
Today, a graduate of Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs, Vladyslav Kovalov, continues to serve as part of the “White Angels” unit. Each of his missions is a fight for human lives. Where people have almost lost hope, he, together with his brothers and sisters, does everything possible to give them a chance for salvation. This is precisely what he sees as the main meaning of his service - to be with people when they need help the most.
