The federal government has taken administrative steps to gain full control over a massive Russian cargo plane parked in Toronto, which it hopes to use to generate financial support for Ukraine.
Lawyer William Pellerin expects the government to move quickly to seize the plane, which has been sitting on the tarmac at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport since February 2022. The plane, an Antonov AN-124, is owned by Volga-Dneper, a company sanctioned by Canada. Ottawa fears Russia could use the plane to deliver military supplies to its invasion of Ukraine.
In June 2023, the government issued a formal cabinet order to seize the plane, ahead of a formal court process to have it forfeited to the Crown. However, months later, Ottawa has revised its approach, applying sanctions to foreign subsidiaries of Volga-Dneper, including those based in Ireland and the Netherlands, as well as individuals suspected of having “ownership interests” in the airplane.
Pellerin believes the changes make no sense unless the government is about to formally forfeit the aircraft to the Crown. “This looks like it’s the government gearing up for its forfeiture of that aircraft,” he said.
The plane, one of the largest in the world, has been idle for 25 months and has cost Volga-Dneper an estimated $100 million in losses. Ottawa’s actions have been met with resistance from Moscow, which claims the seizure is an illegal expropriation.
International law professor Mark Kersten said it’s “remarkable” that Ottawa hasn’t actually filed paperwork to take full control of the airplane, over a year after seizing the property. “These moves that Canada is making have the potential to create incredible precedents,” he warned.
Conclusion:
The Canadian government’s efforts to seize the Russian cargo plane have been met with resistance from Moscow, which claims the seizure is an illegal expropriation. The plane, one of the largest in the world, has been idle for 25 months and has cost Volga-Dneper an estimated $100 million in losses. The standoff highlights the complexities of international law and the challenges of seizing assets held by sanctioned individuals and companies.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Why is Canada seizing the Russian cargo plane?
A: Canada is seizing the plane to generate financial support for Ukraine, which is facing a Russian invasion.
Q: What is the current status of the plane?
A: The plane has been idle for 25 months and has cost Volga-Dneper an estimated $100 million in losses.
Q: What is the Canadian government’s plan for the plane?
A: The government plans to use the plane to generate financial support for Ukraine.
Q: How has Moscow responded to the seizure?
A: Moscow has claimed that the seizure is an illegal expropriation and has warned that relations with Canada are “on the verge of being severed.”
Q: What is the current status of the court process?
A: The court process is ongoing, with the government seeking to have the plane forfeited to the Crown.
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