He rescued people from occupation — now he defends the skies over Mykolaiv region — police report

A special forces police officer of the Mykolaiv region, Oleksandr, after nearly a year of combat service in the east, returned to defend his native land. He now works as part of a mobile group with interceptor drones: together with his comrades he detects enemy unmanned aerial vehicles and counters them, protecting residents and important facilities of the Mykolaiv region.

Oleksandr is 34 years old. Before the full‑scale invasion he served in a special purpose unit. In 2022 Russian forces occupied the settlement where he is from. At that time the policeman, together with representatives of the Red Cross, helped evacuate local residents to safety.

About his choice Oleksandr says:

The most important thing then was to get people to a safe place. I understood that I could not just remain on the sidelines.

It was after this experience that he realized he wanted to be where protection was needed. In 2024 Oleksandr joined the Combined Assault Brigade of the National Police of Ukraine “Liut”. For nearly a year on the eastern front he carried out combat missions as part of an assault unit.

During that time, together with his comrades he completed dozens of missions. When one of them was wounded, Oleksandr would return to the dangerous location and evacuate the wounded. He knew that he was awaited not only at home, but also by the people with whom he defends the country.

This is how the special forces officer explains what saving his comrades meant to him:

At war you especially understand how important every person beside you is. We are on a mission together, covering one another. If a comrade is wounded — you must save his life. Whatever happens around you, you have a task — rescue.

The main personal motivation for Oleksandr remained his family — his wife and young daughter. He thought about a free home and about Ukraine, where his child and other children would be able to live without fear.

He keeps his journey — the occupation of his native settlement, the evacuation of people and combat work — primarily in his memory. According to him, he has no photos or videos that could convey all that was experienced, and it is also impossible to fully describe this experience in words.

After his service in the east Oleksandr returned to the Mykolaiv region. His current task is countering drones that threaten the region. He is convinced that the defense of the state is not limited to a particular direction or unit: a police officer’s place is where his strength, endurance and professionalism are needed.

About the meaning of his current service Oleksandr says:

I know who I’m doing this for. For the sake of my fam’ily. For the people who live here. I want everyone to be able to live safely, work, raise children and not be afraid to look at the sky. That is why we do our job and will do it as long as necessary.

For him, this service is not only the fulfillment of a professional duty. It is a personal responsibility for his native land and his homeland, a love of home and the willingness to protect what is most precious every day.

Source: Mykolaiv Regional Police.

Previously we wrote:

• Ballistics didn’t stop them: Russia struck Ukraine with missiles and hundreds of drones
• A 25‑year‑old fighter from the village of Halytsynove died saving comrades: petition to confer the title of Hero of Ukraine
• Shaheds are being adapted by Russians to Ukrainian interceptors — next will be jet drones
• To stand together against the enemy: the United Assault Brigade “Liut” is recruiting volunteers
• Mykolaiv patrol officers Serhii Svitlyk and Serhii Holimbiievskyi died while carrying out a combat mission