Newspaper apologizes for 'anti-semitic' Zelensky cartoon

The caricature of a greedy Ukrainian leader pilfering American money was “hurtful,” the Toronto Sun said

The Toronto Sun has apologized for publishing a cartoon depicting Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky stealing a wallet from US President Joe Biden’s back pocket. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the cartoon “anti-Semitic.”

Published on Wednesday, the cartoon showed Zelensky lifting the billfold from Biden’s trousers as the pair walked arm in arm. Drawn by American artist Gary Varvel, the cartoon was printed a week after Zelensky traveled to Washington to plead with lawmakers to pass a bill containing more than $60 billion in military aid for Ukraine.

Biden has spent recent months attempting to convince the Republican Party to drop its opposition to the bill, with no success. If passed, it would bring the total amount of military and economic aid allocated to Kiev by the US to more than $170 billion since February 2022.

The cartoon was condemned by Ukrainian activists, with Canada-Ukraine Foundation Director Yaroslav Baron accusing the newspaper of “insult[ing] Ukrainian dignity,” perpetuating “anti-Semitic stereotypes,” and advancing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “propaganda efforts.” 

Way to go, ⁦@TheTorontoSun⁩! You’ve managed to 1) insult #Ukrainian dignity during their existential struggle for survival, 2) perpetuate #antisemitic stereotypes, and 3) advance Putin’s #propaganda efforts — all in one cartoon! Real slick. ⁦@AdrienneBatra⁩ pic.twitter.com/3WKzgJMUyE

— Yaroslav Baran