Ukrainian PresidentVolodymyr Zelenskyyrecently paid tribute to aheroic pup.
Zelenskyy, 44, gave Ukraine’s famous bomb-sniffing dog — named Patron — a medal of honor on Sunday in recognition of the canine’s efforts to keep the country safeamid Russia’s invasion.
Patron, a two-and-a-half-year-old Jack Russell terrier, was presented with the honor while in Ukraine’s capital of Kyiv alongside his owner, Myhailo Iliev, according toBBC.
Also in attendance at the event was Canadian Prime MinisterJustin Trudeau, who was on an unannounced visit to Ukraine,USATodayreported.
“Today, I want to award those Ukrainian heroes who are already clearing our land of mines,” Zelenskyy said, perReuters, during the ceremony. “And together with our heroes, [is] 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.”
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According toNPR, as part of Patron’s duties with Ukraine’s State Emergency Service (SES), the pet sniffs out undetonated explosives left behind during Russia’s attacks.
The news outlet added that since the invasion of Ukraine started, Patron has helped neutralize over 90 explosive devices.
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Brave Patron has also gained animpressive fan base on social mediafor his skills and sweet appearance.
Russia’sattack on Ukrainecontinues after Russian forces launched a large-scale invasion on Feb. 24 — the first major land conflict in Europe in decades.
RELATED VIDEO: Ukraine Bomb Sniffing Dog
With NATO forces massing in the region around Ukraine, various countries have also pledged aid or military support to the resistance. Ukrainian PresidentVolodymyr Zelenskyycalled for peace talks — so far unsuccessful — while urging his country to fight back.
Putin, 69, insists Ukraine has historic ties to Russia, and he is acting in the best security interests of his country. Zelenskyy vowed not to bend.
“Nobody is going to break us, we’re strong, we’re Ukrainians,“he told the European Unionin a speech in the early days of the fighting, adding, “Life will win over death. And light will win over darkness.”
source: people.com
