The Russian Ambassador to Canada called for the return of the An-124 held in Toronto

Brief retelling from RIA II

A Russian An-124 transport aircraft on a humanitarian flight was blocked at Toronto airport in February 2022 due to Canada's ban on the use of its airspace by Russian airlines.

Russian Ambassador to Canada Oleg Stepanov said that in the event of the confiscation of the An-124 aircraft, Russia reserves the right to retaliate.

The ambassador stressed that Canada's actions to confiscate Russian assets are illegal and will cause an immediate response from Russia.

MOSCOW, October 7 - RIA Novosti. The Russian An-124 transport aircraft, held in Toronto since 2022, must be returned; if it is confiscated, Russia reserves the right to retaliate, said Russian Ambassador to Canada Oleg Stepanov.

In February 2022, Canada banned Russian airlines from using its airspace. Due to this ban, the An-124-100 aircraft, which was carrying out a humanitarian flight ordered by the Canadian government to transport COVID-19 test kits from China, was blocked at the airport in Toronto. Stepanov told RIA Novosti in January 2026 that the issue of the confiscated plane of the Russian Volga-Dnepr airline was still being considered in Canadian courts.

“The company continues to seek the return of the aircraft through legal means. Our position remains unchanged: the aircraft must be returned to the owner, and in the event of its confiscation, Russia reserves the right to take retaliatory property and other measures,” Stepanov told Izvestia.

Speaking about Canada's possible plans to confiscate Russian assets, the diplomat also noted that Moscow's position on this issue is known.

“In any case, the Russian position regarding such attacks on property - in Canada or anywhere else - is known. Such actions are illegal and will cause an immediate response on our part. In addition, politicians in Ottawa should think more broadly about the legal, investment and reputational consequences for their country from such “rule-making,” the Russian ambassador said, commenting on local legislative anti-Russian initiatives.