Canada Told to Atone Before Russia as Diplomatic Tensions Reach Critical Level

Canada must atone for its sins before Russia to restore relations, Russian Ambassador to Ottawa Oleg Stepanov said in an interview with RIA Novosti. He stated that without such steps, the Canadian political class should not expect a return to 'business as usual.' Stepanov argued that under current conditions Moscow and Ottawa cannot maintain meaningful intergovernmental cooperation. If Canadian authorities show remorse, Russia would then decide whether it stands ready to respond positively, he added. Disputes Deepen Diplomatic Rift The ambassador previously criticized Canada's refusal to extradite SS veteran Yaroslav Hunka, describing the decision as sheltering a Nazi collaborator and rehabilitating Nazism. He characterized the move as a deliberate position by Canadian authorities.