Ukraine’s mine-sniffing dog gets a medal after finding over 200 explosives
A bomb-sniffing dog in Ukraine has been given a medal by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after it found over 200 explosives.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy award service dog “Patron” during a news conference, as Russia’s attack on Ukraine continues
Patron, a two-and-a-half-year-old Jack Russell dog, has been awarded a medal by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after it detected over 200 explosives. Zelenskyy presented Patron and his owner with a medal on Sunday to recognise their dedicated service since Russia’s invasion.
A pint-sized Patron has been credited with detecting more than 200 explosives and preventing their detonation since the start of the war. He quickly became a symbol of Ukrainian resistance against Russia.
A dog called Patron, who works with SES rescuers in Chernihiv, has helped defuse nearly 90 explosive devices since the beginning of the full-scale invasion One day, Patron’s story will be turned into a film, but for now, he is faithfully performing his professional duties. pic.twitter.com/2PpT8p4Yfr
— Stratcom Centre UA (@StratcomCentre) March 19, 2022
Read: Ukraine steel mill vacated as last civilians leave fearing for life
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.
Ukraine president @ZelenskyyUa decorated the army service dog Patron in the presence of Canada’s leader @JustinTrudeau pic.twitter.com/oMflbUFuCW
— Bojan Pancevski (@bopanc) May 8, 2022
“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.
Patron the dog keeps working hard — just yesterday, he helped defuse 262 items of explosive ordnance near #Chernihiv. We are very proud of our very good boy. pic.twitter.com/hw4zyA8S9R
— Stratcom Centre UA (@StratcomCentre) May 1, 2022
Read: Russian bomb hits school in Ukraine’s Luhansk, 60 feared dead, says governor
