Camilla Jessen
Canada moves to seize a massive Russian cargo plane grounded since 2022.
Canada has taken steps to confiscate a Russian-owned Antonov An-124 “Ruslan” cargo plane grounded in Toronto since 2022, with the intent to transfer it to Ukraine, according to Ukrainian Justice Minister Olha Stefanishyna.
The aircraft was detained at Toronto Pearson International Airport shortly after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Canadian authorities officially arrested the plane in June 2023 under sanctions legislation.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Stefanishyna confirmed that the confiscation process is being pursued under Canada’s Special Economic Measures Act, and the case is now before the Ontario Superior Court awaiting judicial approval.
I am convinced that all actions lead to one: Ruslan will soon have a new home in Ukraine, where it will serve for the benefit of our country,
The move follows a decision by Ukraine’s High Anti-Corruption Court in August 2023, which imposed sanctions on the aircraft. Canadian officials filed their petition to seize the plane after receiving the Ukrainian court’s ruling.
Then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had previously announced Canada’s intention to hand over the aircraft to Kyiv as part of broader support for Ukraine’s war effort.
Symbolic and Strategic Value
The Antonov An-124 “Ruslan” is one of the world’s largest cargo planes, designed by Ukraine’s Antonov Design Bureau.
Known for its ability to carry oversized and heavy equipment—including military vehicles, generators, and industrial machinery—it is considered a strategic asset in both civilian and military logistics.
According to Militarnyi, Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) unlawfully granted a Volga-Dnepr subsidiary the authority to issue airworthiness certifications for its own fleet of Ruslan aircraft.
This practice reportedly violated international aviation safety standards and raised concerns about the safe operation of the aircraft.