Canadian lawmakers recently faced controversy when they honored 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka, who had fought for Ukraine’s independence during World War II. Initially praised as a war hero, it was later revealed that Hunka had been part of the infamous Nazi unit, the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS, known for their crimes during the Holocaust. This revelation caused widespread anger which prompted an apology from Canadian House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota, who had praised Hunka as a “hero.” Several Canadian advocacy groups, including the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, expressed their shock and outrage. The incident was seized upon by Russia, alleging it as evidence of far-right elements in Ukraine.
