The Russian air cargo carrier Volga-Dnepr has initiated legal action against the Canadian government. This lawsuit is a response to the restrictive measures imposed on the company by Canada, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Volga-Dnepr is demanding that the federal court declare the Canadian sanctions against it invalid. The airline contends that it was mistakenly included in the sanctions list, asserting that it has no connection to the onset of the special military operation.
A critical aspect of this legal battle is the fate of the heavy cargo aircraft An-124 “Ruslan”, owned by Volga-Dnepr. This aircraft has been stranded in Toronto since Canada closed its airspace to Russian planes in February of the previous year. Alexander Neradko, head of Rosaviation, previously stated that the aircraft, detained in Toronto for over a year, was transporting humanitarian cargo at the request of the Canadian government.
The imposition of sanctions by Canada on Volga-Dnepr is part of a broader international response to Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine. These sanctions, aimed at exerting economic and political pressure, reflect the global community’s stance against the military actions in Ukraine. The inclusion of Volga-Dnepr in these sanctions highlights the far-reaching impact of the geopolitical tensions on various sectors, including aviation. This legal challenge by Volga-Dnepr underscores the complexities and repercussions that such international disputes bring to multinational businesses and industries.
Before this incident, Canada and G7 had imposed sanctions on the import of Russian diamond jewelry. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for international aviation and diplomatic relations between Russia and Canada.
