Canada has initiated court docket proceedings to grab a Russian Antonov An-124 "Ruslan" transport plane, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna stated on Could 6.
The plane, owned by Russian Volga-Dnepr cargo airways, has remained grounded at Toronto Pearson Worldwide Airport for the reason that begin of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, amid a journey ban on Russian plane in Canadian airspace.
A spokesperson for International Affairs Canada confirmed to Canadian publication InSauga that the Canadian authorities had initiated proceedings within the Ontario Superior Court docket.
"The Lawyer Basic of Canada commenced forfeiture proceedings by searching for the issuance of a Discover of Utility by the Superior Court docket of Ontario on March 18, 2025," the spokesperson stated.
The plane, which is roughly 69 metres lengthy and 21 meters tall and initially produced in Ukraine, is the world’s largest mass-produced cargo airplane.
The same Ukrainian-owned and produced Antonov An-225 Mriya plane served as a one-off flagship of the Antonov An-124, till it was destroyed by Russian forces at Hostomel airport in February 2022.
"I’m satisfied that every one these actions are main to at least one consequence: the 'Ruslan' will quickly have a brand new residence — in Ukraine, the place it would serve our nation’s wants," Stefanishyna stated in a statement.
"I’m grateful to Canada for its unwavering assist and decisive actions. Justice is not only a phrase — it's the concrete steps we’re witnessing at present. And that is only the start."
The Kyiv IndependentLucy Pakhnyuk