President Volodymyr Zelensky has awarded the country’s well-known sniffing dog Patron and its owner in recognition of his dedicated service to the country since the beginning of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. On Sunday, Zelensky presented the medal to Patron and his owner, Myhilo Iliyev.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Zelensky presented the award at a news conference in Kiev with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. At this time Patron was barking, wagging his tail. The audience laughed when they saw this scene. News Reuters.
Patron has identified more than 200 explosives since the Russian offensive in Ukraine began on February 24. Patron prevented his explosion by identifying the explosives. Through this work, the dog became a symbol of Ukrainian patriotism.
Zelensky made a statement after the ceremony. “Today I would like to pay tribute to the heroes of Ukraine who are already working to mine our land,” he said in a statement. A little great warrior Patron is working with our heroes. He is not only helping to defuse the explosives, but also teaching our children the necessary safety precautions wherever there is a landmine threat. “