Before the start of the Ukraine – Southeast Europe summit held in Odesa, President Volodymyr Zelensky together with the event participants paid tribute to the memory of fallen defenders of Ukraine.

Among those attending the ceremony 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 Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia Tanja Fajon.

At the Alley of Heroes in Shevchenko Park, the ceremony participants viewed the portraits of the fallen soldiers and laid flowers at them. Foreign guests were told stories about the defenders of Ukraine who gave their lives for the freedom and independence of the state.

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