Canada plans to seize a grounded Russian plane and give it to Ukraine
For over a year, the fate of a grounded Russian plane was up in the air. Now, Canada has announced that it plans to seize the aircraft and give it to Ukraine.
On Saturday, June 10, Global Affairs stated that the Canadian government has “ordered the seizure of a Russian-registered cargo aircraft currently grounded at Toronto Pearson Airport.”
The plane has been in Toronto since February 27, 2022 — the same day that Omar Alghabra, Transport Minister of Canada, announced that Canada’s airspace would be closed to all Russian aircraft operators.
The plane has also racked up huge fines. According to a Toronto Pearson Airport spokesperson, “the cost works out to $1,065.60 for each 24-hour period.”
Russian registered Antonov An124 is now parked on Taxiway N in Toronto. It will sit here indefinitely. They planned a departure this morning,since cancelled.Arrived on Sunday from China via Russia & Anchorage. Russian aircraft are banned in Canadian airspace.
Volga-Dnepr RA-82078 https://t.co/OGXNFInAQU pic.twitter.com/3rfxhRDUs5— Tom Podolec Aviation (@TomPodolec) February 28, 2022
The move to seize the plane is part of Canada’s efforts to put pressure on Russia to end the war against Ukraine. Should the plane be forfeited to the Crown, the government said it will give the plane or proceeds from its sale to Ukraine.
“Canada will work with the Government of Ukraine on options to redistribute this asset to compensate victims of human rights abuses, restore international peace and security, or rebuild Ukraine,” reads the release.
The plane is believed to be owned by a subsidiary of Volga-Dnepr Airlines LLC and Volga-Dnepr Group. Canada recently imposed sanctions on both companies.
“Today, we are demonstrating that Russia’s actions continue to have consequences,” said Alghabra. “We stand with Ukraine and will take any and all necessary actions, including this seizure, to put pressure on President Putin.”
Today we announced the seizure of the Russian Antonov cargo aircraft at Pearson Airport. This sends a clear message to Russia that their illegal invasion continues to have consequences. We will always be there for the Ukrainian people. ⬇️https://t.co/hu7RiZLtw9 pic.twitter.com/pSLkGqV7lc
— Omar Alghabra (@OmarAlghabra) June 10, 2023
In a tweet, Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated, “Canada is sending a clear message to the Russian regime: there will be nowhere left to hide for those who support and profit from this war of aggression.”
Canada is sending a clear message to the Russian regime: there will be nowhere left to hide for those who support and profit from this war of aggression. We have been there to support Ukraine’s fight for freedom since day 1 and we will continue to be there through their victory. pic.twitter.com/hVeXyj2R5h
— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) June 10, 2023
The plane is the second asset seized by the Canadian government.
In December 2022, the government announced plans to restrain US$26 million from Granite Capital Holdings Ltd. The company is believed to be owned by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich.
With files from Imaan Sheikh
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