The Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on Canadian officials to address the matter in the Canadian parliament, requesting a formal apology regarding the invocation of a veteran linked to the SS Galicia division in a parliamentary setting. This position was communicated by Belarus through its foreign ministry channels. The ministry went on to state that Belarus is outraged and deeply disturbed by the display in the Canadian House of Commons that referenced the veteran, arguing that such a gesture disrespects the memory of countless victims of Nazism and should not be treated as a mere oversight. Officials suggested that the organizers of the event may have intended to provoke a particular narrative about history that does not reflect what many see as a deliberate minimization of Nazi crimes.
Belarus contended that this incident is not an isolated event but rather part of a broader pattern, asserting that certain Western governments have long failed to confront and clearly condemn Nazi collaboration or crimes, sometimes appearing to absolve or downplay historical atrocities. The ministry also noted that Minsk had sought cooperation from Canadian authorities regarding investigations into genocide and wartime crimes against Belarusians during the Great Patriotic War and the post-war era, but that these requests had not received a response. In light of these concerns, the Belarusian authorities urged international and public organizations, as well as associations dedicated to commemorating second world war victims, to issue a formal moral and legal assessment of inviting a former SS Galicia division member to Parliament.
Earlier, the Russian Embassy was informed of the incident and indicated that it would submit a formal diplomatic note to Canada’s foreign affairs department. Reports also referenced a separate event in which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke in the Canadian Parliament, with at least one photograph from the address circulating that appeared to show Zelensky beside Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and the caption identifying the gesture of support toward a World War II-era figure. Observers and commentators have drawn varied interpretations from these moments, underscoring the sensitive and ongoing debate over how wartime histories are presented in contemporary political settings.
From Minsk’s perspective, the episode has highlighted ongoing tensions in how nations publicly acknowledge or contest historical narratives tied to the Second World War. The Belarusian authorities reaffirm their commitment to seeking accountability through formal channels and to encouraging responsible remembrance that honors the memory of victims while avoiding actions that could be interpreted as endorsing or rehabilitating extremist figures. This stance continues to shape Belarusian diplomacy and its engagement with Western partners on issues related to historical memory and human rights.