Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presented a Jack Russell terrier mix named Patron with a state award “For Dedicated Service,” recognizing the dog for his part in detecting over 150 explosives since the beginning of the war with Russia.
Patron arrived at the ceremony that took place at Kyiv’s presidential palace on Sunday, and was immediately escorted past the line and into the building.
Queue jumped earlier at the Presidential Palace by Ukraine’s most famous dog.
Patron made his name sniffing out bombs in Chernihiv, and was decorated by President Zelensky 🐕 pic.twitter.com/eyOHaLw0NW
— James Waterhouse (@JamWaterhouse) May 8, 2022
“The dog, whose name means ‘ammo’ in Ukrainian, helps sniff out Russian mines and explosives in the northeastern city of Chernihiv, Ukraine,” The New York Times tweeted along with video from the ceremony.
President Volodymyr Zelensky honored the bomb-sniffing dog Patron on Sunday. The dog, whose name means "ammo" in Ukrainian, helps sniff out Russian mines and explosives in the northeastern city of Chernihiv, Ukraine. https://t.co/jcCLLtVEZ0 pic.twitter.com/GtDqfCrGod
— The New York Times (@nytimes) May 9, 2022
“Patron, a Jack Russell terrier mix, has become a national figure since the Russian invasion for his work with bomb disposal teams in the northern city of Chernihiv. He is credited with uncovering some 150 munitions as one of a team working for the State Emergency Service,” CNN reported.
“Patron received his recognition. Among those who save the lives of [Ukrainians] every day are four-legged heroes. The most famous among them is Patron, a bomb-sniffing dog. In the presence of @JustinTrudeau, @ZelenskyyUa presented him an award ‘For Dedicated Work in the #UAarmy,'” Ukraine’s Defense Ministry shared.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was present for the ceremony — and at one point, appeared to search his pockets for a treat for the canine hero.
#Ukraine’s star deminer dog Patron received a Presidential award today in presence of Canadian PM Justin Trudeau in Kyiv. Canada donates demining technology:
pic.twitter.com/2YDDC9Thks— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) May 8, 2022
Trudeau also announced that Canada was pledging additional support for Ukraine in the ongoing war with Russia — which has now lasted two full months.
Canada stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. Today in Kyiv, Prime Minister @JustinTrudeau announced additional Canadian military aid for Ukraine.
We will supply this equipment as quickly as possible so that Ukraine can fight and win this war. 🇨🇦🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/HB3qwbMO8X
— Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) 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,” Zelensky said in a statement following Sunday’s ceremony, according to Reuters.
Patron seemed rather unimpressed with all the attention, falling asleep alongside his owner Myhailo Iliev, a major in Ukraine’s Civil Protection Service, during a press conference.
Patron, the mine-sniffing Ukrainian dog, fell asleep during a press conference. A very cute pup. pic.twitter.com/gYNtvzkoGu
— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) May 8, 2022
Patron has become a very popular figure among Ukrainians since Russian occupation forces first began their invasion in late February, and Ukrainian defense forces have often touted the dog’s abilities and accomplishments.
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