Canada Confirms Russian Antonov 124 Freighter Seizure, Tensions Rise

Seizure in Response to Russian Aggression

The measure was taken in response to Russia’s total invasion of Ukraine that began on February 24, 2022. The Antonov 124 is owned by a subsidiary of Volga-Dnepr Airlines LLC and Volga-Dnepr Group, entities sanctioned by Canada due to their complicity in President Putin’s war of choice.
The seizure is Canada’s first step under its new asset seizure and confiscation regime designed to exert additional pressure on Russia by limiting the resources that fuel the war. It is the first physical asset seized by Canada under this regime, and the second overall under the Special Economic Measures Act.

If the asset is finally forfeited to the Crown, Canada will work with the Government of Ukraine to redistribute it with the aim of compensating victims of human rights abuses, restoring international peace and security, or rebuilding Ukraine.

Mélanie Joly reaffirmed that «there will be no place to hide for those who benefit from the Kremlin’s war of aggression.» For his part, Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport, highlighted that Canada will take all necessary actions, including seizures, to put pressure on President Putin.

Economic Pressure and Resource Limitation

Canada and its G7 allies decided to isolate Russia from the international financial system following the invasion of Ukraine. The aircraft is the second asset that Canada has seized/restrained under the Special Economic Measures Act. The Global Affairs department of Canada will assess the condition of the asset and manage it through the seizure and confiscation process.