The Speaker of Canada’s House of Commons apologized after inviting and giving a standing ovation in Parliament a Ukrainian World War II veteran who fought alongside Nazi troops. Anthony Rota was unaware of Yaroslav Hunka’s membership in the Nazi paramilitary organization Waffen-SS.
Last Friday, Volodomir Zelensky went to speak in the Canadian Parliament and, after that, there was a tribute to 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka, with all members of the House standing and applauding.
However, after this viral event, many Jewish groups warned that Hunka belonged to a Nazi paramilitary organization, the Waffen-SS, between 1943 and 1945. The organization was a foreign unit created by the SS in countries under Nazi occupation.
Originally from Ukraine, but residing in Canada, Yaroslav was was presented as “a hero of the struggle for Ukrainian independence against Russia.”
A blunder which earned an apology from Anthony Rota, Speaker of the House of Commons.
However, this association of Ukrainian military personnel with the far right is not unusual. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was justified by Moscow under this motto.
The president issueda statement this Sundaywhere he justifies not having knowledge of Hunka’s links with Nazi organizations.
“In my statements after the speech of the President of Ukraine, I drew attention to a person who was in the stands. Since then, I have had access to information that makes me regret my decision,” Anthony Rota said in the statement, adding that he wants to “ask forgiveness, in particular, from the Jewish communities in Canada and around the world. I accept full responsibility for my decision,” it reads.
More. Rota clarified that President Zelensky was not aware of the situation.
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