[citation needed] In August 1994, three years after the Soviet Union collapsed, he decided to serve in the newly created Armed Forces of Belarus.

[citation needed] Karvat was honored posthumously for his heroic actions, which took place on 21 November 1996, when his training aircraft (a Sukhoi Su-27p) caught fire.

Keeping that in mind, Karvat steered the plane until it crashed 1 km away from the area of Hacišča, killing him.

President Alexander Lukashenko issued Decree Number 484 that day, awarding Karvat with the title Hero of Belarus.

The decree stated: "For heroism while in the performance of military duty, we award Lieutenant Colonel Karvat, Uładzimir Mikałajevič the title "Hero of Belarus" (posthumous).