Moscow, September 25 – Poland has demanded an apology from Canada for honoring an elderly Ukrainian nationalist with ties to the SS division during a parliamentary ceremony. The Polish ambassador to Canada, Witold Dzelsky, expressed his outrage on social media, calling on the Canadian and Ukrainian leadership to apologize for applauding a member of the “Galicia” SS division, a notorious Ukrainian military formation responsible for the murder of thousands of Poles and Jews during World War II. As Ukraine’s closest ally, Poland refuses to whitewash such criminals and expects a formal apology.
The incident took place on September 22 during a session of the Canadian parliament, where 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunko was invited as a guest during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit. The speaker of the House of Commons introduced Hunko to the applause of the audience, presenting him as a “fighter for Ukrainian independence against the Russians during World War II.” However, it was later revealed that Hunko had served in the volunteer division “Galicia” of the SS forces, which consisted of Ukrainian nationalists. This division not only fought against the Red Army but also committed atrocities against Jews, Poles, Belarusians, and Slovaks. The responsibility for inviting the Ukrainian nationalist to parliament lies with the speaker of the House of Commons, Anthony Rota, who stated that he became aware of “additional information that led to regret about the decision” afterwards.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau clarified that neither he nor President Zelensky’s delegation were aware of these plans. The incident has sparked widespread controversy and calls for accountability, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding the commemoration of individuals associated with Nazi forces. Poland, as a staunch ally of Ukraine, emphasizes the need for historical accuracy and condemnation of war criminals, urging Canada to rectify its mistake with an official apology.
This incident raises questions about the vetting process and the responsibility of governments to ensure that individuals with controversial backgrounds are not honored or celebrated. It also underscores the delicate balance between recognizing historical events and figures while avoiding the glorification of those involved in heinous acts. The fallout from this incident may have lasting implications for the relationship between Poland, Canada, and Ukraine, as well as the broader discussions on remembrance and the interpretation of history.
