Canadian Lawmaker Apologizes After Leading Ovation for Ukrainian Nazi Veteran

Anthony Rota, the speaker of Canada's House of Commons, apologized after leading an ovation on Friday for a Ukrainian war veteran who served under the Nazis during World War II.

The Details: During an event in Canada's Parliament that featured an appearance by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Rota introduced the veteran, 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka, as "a Ukrainian hero, a Canadian hero, and we thank him for all his service." Jewish advocacy groups then demanded an apology and explanation and pointed out that Hunka fought with the First Ukrainian Division, also known as the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS, which served under Nazi command.

Key Quotes: Rota said he's been made "aware of more information which causes me to regret my decision to" honor Hunka and extended his "deepest apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and around the world."

For Context: A historian told CBC News (Lean Left bias) that Hunka's division attracted thousands of Ukrainian volunteers, many of whom joined with hopes of achieving Ukrainian independence. Forward (not rated), a Jewish news site, reported that Hunka's division was accused of war crimes, including the mass killings of Poles during World War II.

How the Media Covered It: Sources across the spectrum covered the news. Fox News (Right bias) and other right-rated sources focused more on criticism of Canada and Trudeau. Some left- and center-rated sources focused more on Trudeau's claim that he had no advance notice of Rota's plans to honor Hunka.