Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Canada went swimmingly – apart from the Canadian parliament giving two standing ovations to a Nazi veteran.
The Speaker of Canada’s House of Commons Anthony Rota recognised 98-year-old Yuroslav Hunka, who was in the public gallery on Friday, and paid tribute to him in his speech. Hunka fought in the First Ukrainian Division which was under Nazi control and also known as the Waffen-SS Galicia Division.
Following Zelensky’s speech, in which he called for continued Canadian support in the war against Russia, Speaker Anthony Rota singled Hunka out as a “Ukrainian hero and a Canadian hero, and we thank him for all his service.”
On Sunday, Rota apologised for inviting Hunka – who was from his district – and for singling him out as a war veteran worthy of praise from Canadian lawmakers. During the ovation, Zelensky, who is Jewish, raised a fist to Hunka which was met with a salute from the 98-year-old.
In his apology, Rota said: “In my remarks following the address of the President of Ukraine, I recognised an individual in the gallery. I have subsequently become aware of more information which causes me to regret my decision to do so.
“I particularly want to extend my deepest apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and around the world. I accept full responsibility for my action.”
Rota also took responsibility for personally inviting Hunka and said the Canadian government and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s ruling Liberal party were not aware of the Speaker’s plans.
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