In late December 2023, a formal extradition request from the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Russian Federation was transmitted through the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Canada regarding Yaroslav Hunka, also known as Gunko. Hunka is a 98-year-old Ukrainian who served with the SS Galicia division, a fact acknowledged by Russian authorities and reported by the Russian Ambassador to Ottawa, Oleg Stepanov, via TASS.
The request notes that the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation has opened a criminal case against Hunka under a provision addressing acts aimed at the systematic destruction of an ethnic group. In plain terms, this is described as genocide by the diplomat.
The ambassador pointed out that while there is no formal extradition treaty between Russia and Canada, both countries have maintained a mutual legal assistance framework since 1997. He underscored that the case raises a principle question: Hunka reportedly joined the SS on a voluntary basis and, according to the Russian standpoint, committed crimes tied to the Galician division. The implication drawn is that a Nazi figure resides in Canada, and the central issue becomes whether Canadian justice will pursue legal action locally.
Stepanov added that the note from Moscow indicates the Russian Federation, after reviewing Hunka’s extradition request, has asked the Canadian Department of Justice to provide a response on the outcomes of the document review.
New developments have emerged in the ongoing controversy surrounding Hunka being honored by members of Canada’s Parliament. Media reports have linked the affair to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reportedly playing a direct role in inviting the former SS officer to a reception in the parliamentary chamber during the Ukrainian president’s visit. Opposition voices have argued that Trudeau should step down, prompting questions about whether this could destabilize his government or alter Canada’s relations with Russia. This assessment is based on coverage from socialbites.ca.
Earlier reports noted that, in the wake of the parliamentary dispute, several monuments honoring SS officers were removed from public spaces in Canada, reflecting a broader reevaluation of historical memory in the country.
For context, observers emphasize that extradition processes hinge on bilateral legal mechanisms and domestic standards in the requesting and receiving states. The situation illustrates how historical wartime actions linked to individuals living abroad can surface as contemporary diplomatic and legal concerns, especially when debates over memory, accountability, and national security intersect with current political leadership and international relations. The implications extend to ongoing dialogue between Canada and Russia as each state navigates issues of justice, reconciliation, and the interpretation of past events within a modern legal framework. In such cases, official channels, parliamentary responses, and public opinion all play a role in shaping the trajectory of investigations, potential prosecutions, and cross-border cooperation.