Skip to main content
Zelensky and Trudeau lead ovation for Waffen SS veteran in Canada's parliament
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recognize Yaroslav Hunka, who was in attendance and fought with the First Ukrainian Division in World War II before later immigrating to Canada, in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023.

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKY and Justin Trudeau led the Canadian Parliament in a standing ovation for a Waffen SS veteran on Friday evening.

The incident, noted obliquely in a photograph caption on the Associated Press website and in footage of 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka acknowledging the applause, caused consternation online but has been largely ignored by media outlets.

Mr Hunka was in the audience when the Ukrainian president addressed the parliament seeking continued support against Russia’s invasion of his country. Mr Zelensky’s speech had framed Russia as Ukraine’s nemesis throughout history, citing the 1930s Soviet famine (in which millions of Russians also died) as a deliberate genocide of Ukrainians by Stalin.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
French President Emmanuel Macron (right) speaks with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky after the Bastille Day military parade on the Champs-Elysees avenue, in Paris, July 14, 2026
Eastern Europe / 14 July 2026
14 July 2026
Polish victims of a massacre committed by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army in the village of Lipniki, Wołyń (Volhynia), 1943
History / 14 July 2026
14 July 2026

Poland’s anger over Ukraine’s celebration of the Nazi collaborationist UPA reflects more than historical grievance, says KENNY COYLE

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, arrives for the Nato summit in Ankara, Turkey, July 7, 2026
Eastern Europe / 9 July 2026
9 July 2026