Russian diplomat speaks on An-124 seizure: Russian company insists on legal recovery; countermeasures to follow if aircraft is confiscated
Oleg Stepanov, Russian ambassador to Canada, told Izvestia that “Volga-Dnepr” Airlines continues pursuing the return of the An-124 RA-82078, which has been detained at Toronto Pearson International Airport since February 2022.
The diplomat stated: “The company is still seeking the aircraft’s return through legal channels. Our position remains unchanged: the aircraft should be returned to its owner; in the event of confiscation, Russia reserves the right to take reciprocal measures regarding property and other assets.”
The An-124 arrived in Toronto on February 27, 2022, carrying rapid antigen test kits from China. On the same day, Canadian authorities closed their airspace to Russian flights, preventing the aircraft from departing the airport.
In June 2023, Ottawa issued an order to seize the aircraft under sanctions legislation.
In February 2025, Canadian authorities updated the order, transferring control of the aircraft to federal authorities.
On August 11, Canada’s Federal Court dismissed a request by “Volga-Dnepr” Airlines to have the company removed from the sanctions list.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1878349776578635/
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