Canada Seizes Russian Cargo Plane at Toronto Airport Amid Ukraine Crisis

Canada has seized a Russian cargo plane at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) as part of its sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

The Antonov An-124, nicknamed Ruslan, belongs to a subsidiary of Volga-Dnepr Airlines LLC and Volga-Dnepr Group, which are both subject to Canadian sanctions. The plane was impounded on Monday after it landed at YYZ from Leipzig, Germany.

The Canadian government said the seizure was a “clear message” to Russia that it will not tolerate its “aggressive and illegal actions” in Ukraine.

“Canada stands with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression and will continue to impose significant costs on the Putin regime and its cronies,” Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau said in a statement.

The Antonov An-124 is one of the world’s largest cargo planes, capable of carrying up to 150 tons of cargo. It is often used for humanitarian and military missions around the world.

Volga-Dnepr Group said it was “surprised and disappointed” by the seizure and claimed it had not violated any Canadian laws or regulations. It said it was working with the authorities to resolve the situation as soon as possible.

Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, after months of escalating tensions and military build-up along their shared border. The move sparked international condemnation and triggered a series of sanctions from the U.S., Canada, the European Union and other countries.

Canada has also suspended all flights to and from Russia, expelled four Russian diplomats, frozen the assets of 27 Russian individuals and entities, and banned the export of arms and dual-use goods to Russia.