In Canada, diplomatic tensions rise over recognition of a Nazi-era figure in Parliament
A senior Canadian government story involves Oleg Stepanov, who leads the Russian embassy delegation in Ottawa. He indicated that the Russian mission intends to raise the matter of a Ukrainian historical figure and the related legal response by Canadian authorities in the wake of a public controversy. This claim was reported by a major Russian news service. The situation centers on the public acknowledgement of Yaroslav Hunka, a person described as having once served in a Nazi unit and later becoming a Canadian citizen. The embassy representative suggested he would be questioned before Canadian officials about the implications for future policy and national memory in Canada. The remarks imply ongoing diplomatic friction and a demand for accountability in how the issue is handled by Ottawa.
During discussions, Stepanov stated that a series of public questions would be directed at Canadian officials to understand how Hunka’s past and his status as a Canadian citizen intersect with the country’s values, security framework, and parliamentary norms. He noted that Hunka is widely recognized as a former member of a Nazi-era unit, and that his presence in Parliament triggered a broad condemnation. He claimed that the matter has moved beyond private discourse into a public, parliamentary debate about national identity and historical memory in Canada. The ambassador stressed the importance of clear factual handling by the Canadian government and suggested there should be a formal outlining of the consequences and possible remedial steps.
Earlier, Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture sought to defend the members of the SS Galicia division after an incident in which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy received applause in the Canadian Parliament for Hunka. The ministry circulated a document to Ottawa asserting that representatives of the Galicia unit do not adhere to Nazi or neo-Nazi ideology and do not publicly declare such affiliations in any country. This defense frame was presented as a counter to accusations that Kyiv had aligned itself with extremist symbolism, aiming to reassure international partners.
Additionally, observers noted the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture responded to comments by Anthony Rota, the Speaker of the Canadian House of Commons, who labeled Hunka a hero. In its correspondence, the ministry argued that the Speaker’s remarks were not intended to provoke either Kyiv or Ottawa but rather reflected an internal parliamentary moment. The language used was presented as part of a broader effort to clarify intent and avoid misinterpretation in cross-border discussions about historical memory and national narratives.
In a related trace of events, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued an apology connected to the episode, explaining that the matter involved honoring a Nazi-era figure in the country’s Parliament. The apology was framed as an acknowledgment of the political and historical sensitivities at play and the unintended consequences of the public display within an international context. The exchange underscores the delicate balance Canada seeks to maintain between commemorating history and upholding inclusive, democratic values in a multicultural society.