Canada moves to seize Russian Ruslan aircraft for Ukraine

Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Minister of Justice Olha Stefanishyna announced this.

According to her, the confiscation process is taking place under Canada’s Special Economic Measures Act. The final decision must be made by the Ontario Superior Court.

"This is another important step toward justice and restoring peace in Ukraine. Filing a lawsuit to confiscate the aircraft is the result of the diligent work of the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in close cooperation with our partners," Stefanishyna said.

She added that Canada’s prosecution has filed a request with the Ontario Superior Court to confiscate the Russian aircraft based on documents provided by the Ukrainian side.

In particular, the Ministry of Justice provided Canadian partners with the decision of Ukraine’s High Anti-Corruption Court from August 2023, which imposed sanctions in the form of transferring the assets of the sanctioned Volga-Dnepr company to Ukraine’s state revenue.

"I am convinced that all actions are leading to one outcome: the Ruslan will soon have a new home — in Ukraine, where it will serve the good of our state. I am grateful to Canada for its unwavering support and decisive action. Justice is not just a word, but concrete steps we are witnessing today. And this is only the beginning," Stefanishyna emphasized.

• It is worth noting that Canada was the first Western country to legally establish the possibility of using confiscated Russian assets sanctioned over the war to support Ukraine.