Before the start of the Ukraine – Southeast Europe summit held in Odesa, President Volodymyr Zelensky honored the memory of fallen heroes alongside event participants.

Attending the ceremony were: President of Moldova Maia Sandu, President of Romania Nicușor 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 Elisa Spiropali, First Deputy Prime Minister of North Macedonia Izet Mehmeti, and Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tanja Fajon.

At the Heroes' Alley in Shevchenko Park, participants viewed portraits of the fallen soldiers and laid flowers. Foreign guests were told stories of Ukrainian defenders who sacrificed their lives for freedom and independence.

The Heroes' Alley was inaugurated last year on August 29 — in memory of fallen defenders of Ukraine — at the initiative of the families of the deceased soldiers. Currently, it features stands with information about 469 fallen defenders, 12 of whom are Heroes of Ukraine.