Moscow, Russia – Russia has strongly objected to the Canadian government’s decision to return a previously confiscated Russian transport plane to Ukraine. It considers this move a “flagrant violation of international law and a new hostile escalation” against it.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said in an official statement that Ottawa’s action “confirms Canada’s direct involvement in supporting the Ukrainian war effort.” It stressed that Moscow reserves the right to respond as it sees fit.
The aircraft, an Antonov An-124, belongs to a Russian cargo company that was subject to Western sanctions. It has been detained at Toronto airport since last year.
Observers believe the Canadian move will further strain relations between Moscow and Ottawa, amid escalating diplomatic tensions. This confrontation between Russia and Western countries stems from the war in Ukraine.
