Canada seizes Russian cargo jet at Pearson airport

Canada has ordered the seizure of a large Russian cargo jet that’s been grounded on the tarmac at Toronto Pearson Airport for the reason that 2022 begin of the battle in Ukraine.

“At present, Canada is sending a transparent message to the Russian regime that there can be nowhere left to cover for individuals who help and revenue from the Kremlin’s battle of aggression,” Mélanie Joly, Minister of Overseas Affairs, stated in a press release.

Joly made the announcement as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a shock go to to Kyiv to satisfy with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Trudeau stated in Kyiv that the federal authorities would attempt to forfeit the airplane to Ukraine, in order that it can’t be used to help Russia’s battle effort.

It’s Canada’s first bodily seizure after making amendments in 2022 to the Particular Financial Measures Act and the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Overseas Officers Act to permit the federal government to grab, forfeit, dispose or redistribute property belonging to sanctioned people and entities.

The Russian plane, an Antonov 124, is believed to be owned by a subsidiary of Volga-Dnepr Airways LLC and Volga-Dnepr Group, two entities towards which Canada has imposed sanctions.

The big white and blue cargo jet, which may carry the load of about 83 automobiles, had arrived in Canada on the identical day sanctions had been introduced final February. Neither the Larger Toronto Airport Authority nor Transport Canada have stated what occurred to the pilot or the passengers.

Trudeau’s go to to Kyiv on the invitation of Zelenskyy comes amid indicators {that a} long-awaited spring counteroffensive towards Russia might already be underway.

“Canada can be a part of the multinational efforts to coach fighter pilots and to assist preserve and help Ukraine’s fighter-jet program, leveraging Canadian experience in these areas,” Trudeau stated throughout a information convention. He added that Canada will be a part of a crew of nations serving to to keep up tanks, whereas offering further missiles and rounds of ammunition.

The 2 leaders additionally issued a joint declaration with a dozen factors that largely reiterated Canada’s actions in help of Ukraine. It talked about “the necessity to strengthen efforts to make sure the efficient implementation of sanctions and to stop and counter circumvention in and by third nations.”

Joly additionally introduced at the moment that Canada is imposing further sanctions towards 24 people and 17 entities in Ukraine as a part of the Particular Financial Measures (Ukraine) Rules.

Since Russia’s invasion of Crimea in 2014, Canada has imposed sanctions on greater than 2,500 people and entities in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova, involving coordination with allies and companions.

Joanna Chiu is a B.C.-based employees reporter for the Star. She covers world and nationwide affairs. Comply with her on Twitter: @joannachiu

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