Canada refuses Russia’s extradition request for 98-year-old SS veteran Yaroslav Hunka

Canada has refused Russia’s request to extradite 98-year-old SS veteran Yaroslav Hunka, whom the Russian authorities charged in absentia with genocide, reports RIA Novosti.

Russian Ambassador to Canada Oleg Stepanov stated that the Canadian authorities cited the lack of an extradition treaty between Russia and Canada as their reason for refusal. Stepanov called the decision “politically motivated.” He added that Russia will continue to seek Hunka’s extradition as it is a “matter of principle” for the country.

Yaroslav Hunka drew the attention of Russian authorities after he was invited to Canada’s parliament during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit in September 2023. It was later revealed that he had served in the Waffen-SS. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apologized for the incident, and the member of parliament who invited Hunka resigned.