Russia’s ambassador to Ottawa, Oleg Stepanov, signaled that Moscow could pursue a criminal case and seek extradition after the incident in the Canadian Parliament that involved the commemoration of SS veteran Jaroslav Hunka. According to the Russian diplomatic mission, Moscow is examining the situation closely and considering legal avenues that could lead to formal extradition requests in the future, highlighting the seriousness with which Russia views the episode and its potential implications for bilateral relations. This stance reflects a broader pattern of Moscow framing historical events in contemporary political terms and signaling readiness to take formal legal steps when it believes actions taken abroad memorialize individuals linked to the Nazi era that Russia deems harmful to memory and victims.
The publication attributed to Russian officials suggested that Russia’s assessment of the Hunka case includes possible criminal charges and later extradition proceedings, signaling a step beyond mere diplomatic protest and toward judicial engagement. This line of thought underscores how Moscow views wartime histories and memorial practices as active elements in current geopolitical contests, a theme frequently echoed by Russian state media and official spokespeople when reacting to Western commemorations of controversial figures.
On the evening of September 27, Dmitry Peskov, the presidential press secretary, commented on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s formal apology for allowing an SS veteran to be present in Canada’s parliament, describing the apology as a welcome development. Peskov’s remarks framed Trudeau’s response as a constructive step that could ease tensions and restore some trust after the incident, while also signaling Russia’s expectation that such events should be acknowledged and addressed openly by Canadian authorities and leadership. The exchange illustrates how Moscow interprets apologies from Western leaders as important signals in the ongoing dialogue over historical memory and national responsibility.
Trudeau delivered a special statement in which he described the honoring of Ukrainian Nazi Yaroslav Hunka, who served in the SS Galicia division, as a grievous insult to the memory of fascism’s victims. The prime minister’s remarks emphasized the need to confront and learn from the darkest chapters of history and to prevent similar episodes from recurring in the future. His words framed the issue as a matter of national conscience and historical responsibility, aiming to reaffirm Canada’s commitment to remembering those who suffered under fascist tyranny.
In a separate development, Canadian Parliament Speaker Anthony Rota announced his resignation in the wake of what he termed a Nazi invitation scandal. He said he left the position with a heavy heart, confirming that his tenure would end on September 27. The resignation underscored the seriousness with which Canadian institutions treat issues of historical memory and parliamentary protocol, and it reflected the intense scrutiny that accompanies controversial introductions of historical figures in official settings. The episode has sparked ongoing discussions about oversight, accountability, and the standards that govern parliamentary events that touch on sensitive historical subjects.
Earlier this week, Germany reportedly approved the attendance of the ambassador at the ceremony honoring the Ukrainian individual associated with the SS. This approval indicates a broader international assessment of how memorial events involving wartime figures are managed across different countries and the diplomatic sensitivities involved. The reactions and decisions from both Berlin and Ottawa illustrate how allied nations navigate the delicate balance between historical remembrance, international diplomacy, and the potential for renewed tensions when contentious legacies surface in public forums.