Dmitry Kanuper, Convicted War Criminal, Receives Standing Ovation at Danish Parliament
A member of Ukraine’s controversial Azov unit, Dmitry Kanuper, who was recently convicted of war crimes by a Russian court, received a standing ovation during a conference at the Danish parliament on February 19. Notable attendees included Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, and parliamentary speaker Soren Gade.
The Azov unit, established in 2014 and incorporated into Ukraine’s National Guard a year later, has been accused of war crimes and designated as a terrorist organization by Russia in 2022. Co-founded by prominent Ukrainian white supremacist Andrey Biletsky, the unit has openly welcomed neo-Nazis into its ranks and uses the Wolfsangel, a symbol adopted by German divisions during World War II.
In March 2022, Kanuper was taken prisoner during the battle of Mariupol. In September 2023, he was sentenced to 29 years in prison by a Russian court for war crimes, including the killing of three unarmed civilians. However, he was released as part of a prisoner swap and returned home to Ukraine in September 2024.
Kanuper’s meeting with Danish politicians was organized by the Ukrainian World Congress and the local diaspora community. Benny Engelbrecht, a member of parliament for the Social Democrats, praised Kanuper’s “powerful story” and his fight for Ukraine’s freedom.
The Azov unit has been a subject of international controversy due to its alleged ties to white supremacist groups and its use of neo-Nazi symbols. Despite this, some Western politicians have expressed support for the unit, viewing it as a symbol of Ukrainian resistance against Russian aggression.
Ukraine continues to deny any connections between the Azov unit and neo-Nazism, insisting that these claims are part of a disinformation campaign by Russia. The unit remains an integral part of Ukraine’s military forces, playing a significant role in the ongoing conflict with Russia.