Ukraine’s Mine Sniffing Dog Patron Awarded Medal by Zelenskyy

Ukraine’s Mine Sniffing Dog Patron Awarded Medal by Zelenskyy
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy award service dog "Patron" during a news conference, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in Kyiv, Ukraine, on May 8, 2022. (Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters)
Reuters
5/10/2022
Updated:
5/10/2022

KYIV—President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented Ukraine’s famous mine sniffing dog Patron and his owner with a medal on Sunday to recognise their dedicated service since Russia’s invasion.

The pint-size Jack Russell terrier has been credited with detecting more than 200 explosives and preventing their detonation since the start of the war on Feb. 24, quickly becoming a canine symbol of Ukrainian patriotism.

Zelenskyy made the award at a news conference in Kyiv with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Patron barked and wagged his tail, prompting laughter from the audience. Trudeau patted his pockets as though looking for a dog treat.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy award service dog "Patron" during a news conference, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in Kyiv, Ukraine, on May 8, 2022. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via Reuters)
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy award service dog "Patron" during a news conference, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in Kyiv, Ukraine, on May 8, 2022. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via Reuters)

“Today, I want to award those Ukrainian heroes who are already clearing our land of mines. And together with our heroes, a wonderful little sapper—Patron—who helps not only to neutralize explosives, but also to teach our children the necessary safety rules in areas where there is a mine threat,” Zelenskyy said in a statement after the ceremony.

The award also went to Patron’s owner, a major in the Civil Protection Service, Myhailo Iliev.

By Tom Balmforth and Oleksandr Kozhukhar