On Sunday, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy presented Ukraine’s famous minesweeper Patron and his owner with a medal in recognition of their dedicated service since Russia’s invasion.
The pint-sized Jack Russell Terrier has been credited with detecting more than 200 explosives and preventing their detonation since the start of the war on February 24, and has quickly become a dog symbol of Ukrainian patriotism.
Zelenskiy received the award at a press conference in Kiev with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Patron barked and wagged his tail, eliciting laughter from the audience. Trudeau patted his pockets as if looking for a dog treat.
“Today I want to reward the Ukrainian heroes who are already clearing our land of mines. And together with our heroes, a wonderful little sapper – Patron – who helps not only neutralize explosives, but also teach our children the necessary safety rules. in areas where there is a mining threat, “Zelenskiy said in a statement after the ceremony.
The award also went to Patron’s owner, a major in the Civil Protection Service, Myhailo Iliev.