Canada has initiated a legal process to confiscate the Russian strategic aircraft An-124 “Ruslan,” which has been under arrest at a Toronto airport for over a year
This is yet another important step in supporting Ukraine within the framework of international legal efforts against Russian aggression, announced Olga Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Minister of Justice. The information is reported by the Ukrainian publication "European Pravda." According to the official, the confiscation process of the aircraft has begun in accordance with Canadian legislation, which allows for the application of special economic measures when assets belong to an aggressor country and are used or potentially could be used to violate international sanctions regimes. "Within the scope of Canadian law, we have initiated a corresponding legal procedure regarding the Russian aviation relic 'Volga-Dnepr.' After the lawsuit was filed, the decision on confiscation is now to be made by the Ontario Superior Court," Stefanishyna stated. It is additionally reported that the lawsuit was officially filed on March 18, 2023. The suit states that the Russian "Ruslan" aircraft was detained at a Canadian airport during the early months of Russia’s large-scale war against Ukraine. This aligns with the extensive work carried out by Canadian lawyers, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other relevant authorities in cooperation with the Ukrainian side. Stefanishyna emphasized that the decision to confiscate this strategic asset resulted from coordinated efforts of Canadian officials and diplomats, who worked closely with their Ukrainian colleagues. "This is not just a legal procedure but a symbol of support for sovereignty and international law. The Canadian justice authorities recognize that assets of the aggressor country should be used in the fight for Ukraine’s freedom and independence," she said. It is worth recalling that in 2023, then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau personally promised the Ukrainian side to accelerate the transfer of the Russian "Ruslan" aircraft, which was detained in Toronto. This was one of the key commitments to aid Ukraine militarily and economically. Moreover, Canada became the first country in the world to pass a dedicated law on the confiscation of assets of aggressor states for the benefit of Ukraine, which has become an important tool in combating Russian financial and military resources. This step not only demonstrates legal and political support for Ukraine’s sovereignty but also enhances Canada's international standing as a country actively opposing Russian aggression and seeking to hold the aggressor accountable. The ongoing process of confiscating the Russian aircraft, which has been underway for several months, has received broad media coverage and serves as an example for other states considering similar measures in the fight against Russian aggression and its assets abroad. Thus, the legal process in Canada not only symbolizes a desire to halt the use of Russia’s military and economic potential to violate international law but also strengthens international support for Ukraine, aiming to restore justice and oppose the aggressor through legal means. This move by the Canadian authorities sends a clear message: neither Russian assets nor any other resources obtained in violation of international standards will go unpunished, and Ukraine will gain additional tools to defend its independence and territorial integrity.