Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has described the Canadian Parliament’s decision to honour a Ukrainian Nazi veteran as “deeply embarrassing” and “clearly unacceptable”. The veteran, Yaroslav Hunka, served in the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS, a Nazi division, during World War II. The incident has sparked controversy and criticism from opposition conservatives and a Jewish advocacy group. The Kremlin also condemned the act, calling it “outrageous” and a “careless disregard for historical truth”. The speaker of Canada’s House of Commons, Anthony Rota, has issued an apology for recognizing Hunka as a “Ukrainian hero”.
Trudeau: “Embarrassing” Act
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has expressed his embarrassment and disapproval of the Canadian Parliament’s decision to honour a Ukrainian Nazi veteran. Yaroslav Hunka, a veteran of the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS, was applauded by lawmakers before it was revealed that he had served in a Nazi unit during World War II.
Kremlin Condemns the Act
The Kremlin has criticized the Canadian parliamentarians for their “outrageous” act and accused Western countries, including Canada, of disregarding historical truth. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed concern about the lack of knowledge among the younger generation about the history of World War II and the threat of fascism.
(With inputs from agencies)
