Before the Ukraine – Southeast Europe summit commenced in Odesa, President Volodymyr Zelensky, alongside event participants, paid tribute to the memory of heroes who died for Ukraine’s independence.

Among the attendees were: President of Moldova Maia Sandu, President of Romania Nicuşor Dan, President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović, Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenković, Prime Minister of Bulgaria Rosen Zhelyazkov, Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Eliza Spiropali, First Deputy Prime Minister of North Macedonia Izet Medžiti, and Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs Tanja Fajon.

At the Alley of Heroes in Shevchenko Park, the participants observed portraits of fallen soldiers and laid flowers at their bases. Foreign guests were told stories of the defenders who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of our nation.

The Alley of Heroes was inaugurated last year on August 29 – the Day of Remembrance of Fallen Defenders of Ukraine – at the initiative of the families of the fallen warriors. Currently, it features stands with information about 469 fallen defenders, 12 of whom are Heroes of Ukraine.