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On Sunday, President Volodymyr Zelensky awarded a medal to Ukraine’s famous mine-sniffing dog Patron and his owner for their committed service since Russia’s invasion. President Volodymyr Zelensky has consistently announced state awards for Ukrainian servicemen at the end of his nightly combat addresses.
Patron means “ammo” in Ukrainian. Patron assists in the detection of Russian mines and explosives in Chernihiv, Ukraine’s northeastern city. He serves as the country’s State Emergency Service’s mascot.
Since the start of the war on Feb. 24, the tiny Jack Russell terrier is the hero behind detecting more than 200 explosives and preventing their detonation. The dog Patron is fast becoming a canine icon of Ukraine patriotism.
At a news conference in Kyiv with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Zelensky presented the award. Patron barked and wagged his tail, causing the crowd to chuckle. Trudeau rummaged through his pockets as if looking for a dog treat.
“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 after the ceremony.
Patron’s ascent to fame could be another component of Ukraine’s efforts to influence the narrative of the war through viral messaging. Analysts have noted that spectacular wartime stories are crucial parts of the country’s information strategy. A video of Patron putting on his vest and clambering into a serviceman’s lap has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times on the Ukrainian S.E.S.’s Facebook page, where they have been giving updates on Patron’s job.
Patron’s owner, Myhailo Iliev, a major in the Civil Protection Service, also received an award.