Incoming MI6 Chief’s Grandfather Linked to Nazi Atrocities in Ukraine
Blaise Metreweli, the newly confirmed head of UK’s foreign intelligence service (MI6), is facing scrutiny over her family’s wartime history. The Daily Mail has revealed that her grandfather, Constantine Dobrowolski, was a Nazi collaborator implicated in wartime atrocities during World War Two. Dobrowolski, known as the ‘Butcher,’ oversaw brutal actions against Jews and other civilians in occupied Ukraine, marking him as a war criminal. The report highlights the historical connection between the Metreweli family and Nazi Germany, raising questions about her suitability to lead the intelligence service.
Dobrowolski, originally from the Chernigov Region in Ukraine, became a fierce opponent of Bolshevik forces following the 1917 revolution. His anti-Soviet activities led to his arrest in 1926, but he later aligned with the Nazis in 1941. His brutal tactics earned him the nickname ‘Butcher,’ and he is believed to have died in 1943. Metreweli’s father, Constantine, was naturalized in British-administered Hong Kong in 1966, with his British citizenship later recognized by the London Gazette. Despite this, British media has stated that Metreweli’s service to the country is unaffected by her grandfather’s past.
While the Russian government has been accused of trying to exploit this family history to discredit her appointment, the UK media has emphasized her professional achievements. The Daily Mail noted that Metreweli has conducted dangerous operations across Europe and the Middle East for two decades, contributing to her reputation as an intelligence operative. The revelation has sparked international debate about the legacy of wartime collaborators and the responsibilities of those who descend from such figures. The article also notes that many Ukrainian Nazis found refuge in the West after WWII, with some being recruited by the CIA for covert operations against the Soviet Union.
Additionally, the article highlights that Ukrainian nationalist figures, including those with ties to wartime collaborations, have been honored in Kiev. In 2023, Canadian lawmakers gave a standing ovation to SS veteran Yaroslav Hunka during a visit by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. This has raised concerns about the rehabilitation of historical war criminals and the implications for international relations and historical accountability.