https://ottawacitizen.com/public-service/defence-watch/azov-ukrainian-unit-military-training-canadaSources say Defence Minister David McGuinty was unaware the Azov Brigade soldier had been invited to RMC Saint-Jean.
Author of the article:By David Pugliese • Ottawa Citizen
Published Apr 15, 2026
Last updated Apr 20, 2026
A non-commissioned officer with a Ukrainian unit linked to neo-Nazis has received military training in Canada and graduated from a Canadian Forces leadership course. Previously, the Canadian Forces and Department of National Defence maintained they would not train or associate with the controversial Azov Brigade. But a member of the brigade was at the Royal Military College Saint-Jean in Quebec for leadership training from Jan. 13 to Feb. 5, 2026, according to Canadian soldiers who contacted the Ottawa Citizen. Objections to the Azov soldier’s presence were submitted by Canadian Forces personnel to military leaders immediately, but were ignored.
Defence Minister David McGuinty, in a statement to the Ottawa Citizen, said “at no point has Canada’s mandate included training members of the Azov Battalion.”
“We have reinforced our policy to prevent any recurrence and remain firmly opposed to Nazism, racism, and all forms of extremism while promoting human rights, and the rule of law in all international engagements,” he added.
Department of National Defence spokesperson Kened Sadiku said Ukraine had previously been explicitly told not to send members of the Azov Brigade to Canadian military training. Despite identifying the presence of the Azov soldier in the non-commissioned member leadership training program, the Canadian Forces decided to allow him to continue participating.
“Given that fewer than seven days remained in the course and the individual had effectively completed the training, it was determined that the individual would be permitted to graduate,” Sadiku said.
The Azov Brigade, originally referred to as a battalion or regiment, is highly controversial. In 2018, the United States Congress banned the use of U.S. funds to provide arms, training and other assistance to the unit because of its links to the far-right and to neo-Nazis. But in June 2024, U.S. President Joe Biden lifted the ban for Azov, which is seen as highly effective on the battlefield in defending Ukraine from Russia’s invasion. The Canadian Forces previously had a strict policy of distancing itself because of the unit’s far-right associations.
But, under Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan, it appears that may have changed. In July 2025, Canadian military personnel hosted a meeting with Azov Brigade staff, the Maple, an online publication, reported in October. Azov personnel described the meeting with the Canadians as a “friendly and open dialogue.” At the time, the Canadian Forces confirmed that the meeting took place in Ukraine, but refused to answer specific questions from the Ottawa Citizen. Brig. Gen. Serge Menard, who arranged the meeting, told Azov representatives it would be a “pleasure to greet you at the Canadian Embassy.”