Fate of the AN-124 stranded at YYZ
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Fate of the AN-124 stranded at YYZ
From the Toronto Star, link below
Is the massive Russian jet parked at Pearson airworthy? Inside the fight to keep it grounded in Canada for good.
A behemoth that beckons to drivers from the highway, the jet has been racking up parking fees at 74 cents per minute since late February.
By Michele Henry Staff Reporter Mon., June 27, 2022
As a Russian-owned Antonov An-124 ‘Ruslan’ sits idle and unused at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, a Canadian cargo broker is trying to make sure it stays grounded — even after Canada takes the jet off its no-fly list.
“There’s concern that if it gets back into Russian hands, it could be very useful in the current conflict,” Bill Clark, a Toronto-based aviation lawyer at YYZlaw representing the cargo broker company, told the Star. “We want to ensure that doesn’t happen.”
Clark said he’s exploring options for his client, a large logistics company that transports goods across the globe and did not want to be named for fear of retribution by other countries and companies in the tight-knit, global aviation community.
A global cargo mover, the Canadian business has no financial stake in the fate of the Ruslan, its owner told the Star on condition of anonymity, but decided to intervene because “it is the right thing to do.”
The jet, the largest cargo carrier in the world, has been parked on an unused swath of airfield at Pearson since Feb. 27. That’s when Canada, in solidarity with Ukraine, closed its skies to Russian aircraft.
A behemoth that beckons to drivers from the highway, the jet has been racking up parking fees at 74 cents per minute and, Clark said, quickly turning into a “giant paperweight.”
Its fitness to fly — or not fly — Clark said, is one way his client may be able to keep the jet on terra firma.
Planes that sit around for months can quickly deteriorate, he said. But, according to a recent court decision and police notice obtained by the Star, the jet may have an even bigger problem: Its certificate of “airworthiness,” may not be valid.
The Star found the ruling online at a website that catalogues Ukraine court documents.
Russian officials connected to the Volga Dnepr group of companies “knowingly forged” the safety documents in order to gain “undue advantage,” an English translation of the March 21, 2022 court decision said.
Along with other Antonov planes owned by Volga Dnepr, a Russian aviation company, the Antonov An-124 has a “unique” design and can only be deemed airworthy by the Antonov Company and its unique system of maintenance, the decision said. That’s why the Antonov Company, the jet’s original manufacturer in Ukraine, is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the entire fleet of Antonov An-124s, it said.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) confirmed in an e-mail to the Star that aircraft can be certified as “airworthy” in the state where they are registered. The planes have not been returned to the Antonov Company since their previous safety certificates expired, the documents said, and so, should remain on the ground.
“In order to ensure flight safety and eliminate the possible occurrence of serious consequences,” a police investigator in Kyiv wrote in the March 23 notice. “I request to take measures to prohibit the operation of these aircraft, including any action aimed at landing/takeoff.”
The Ukranian court decision identifies the jet by its Russian registration and includes plane RA-82074. The jet at Pearson has the number 82074 printed on its side.
Volga Dnepr communications specialist Elena Boykova, told the Star in an email that the company “will not be commenting on this issue.”
But, counsellor Vladimir Proskuryakov, of the Russian Embassy in Ottawa, told the Star that the Ruslans have been flying without issue — or concern — for 20 years. Questions about their safety or airworthiness, he said, are “not up to Ukraine to decide.”
Volga Dnepr has made arrangements for the jet to be properly maintained, he said, and the plane should not have any safety issues. When asked if the jet would be used in its war against Ukraine, if returned to Russia, Proskuryakov said “it’s not possible.”
“The plane is absolutely commercial,” he said, “and it is built and used for civil purposes only. It does not transport any military troops or equipment.”
Since late February, he said, the Russian embassy has been assisting Volga Dnepr in its bid to get the plane back. The decision to ground it, he said, does not only make it unavailable to deliver humanitarian aid around the world but it is also “an injustice” and “illegal.”
The jet flew to Canada to deliver COVID-19 supplies on a contract for the federal government, he said, and Canada has no business keeping it.
“We do not understand the legality of these actions,” he said. “We consider them totally abnormal and illegal.”
In an email to the Star, Public Services and Procurement Canada said it hired a logistics company to bring pandemic supplies into the country and that company sub-contracted the Feb. 27 shipment to Volga Dnepr.
The jet left China on Feb. 25 carrying three million federally purchased rapid antigen tests, the PSPC email said and arrived in Toronto on Feb. 27. Since then, the email said, the company with the federal contract has “stopped securing flights from Russian airlines.”
Transport Canada said, in an email to the Star, that it has no plans to open Canada’s skies to Russian aircraft anytime soon.
While it can’t speak to the airworthiness of the jet, wrote Sau Sau Liu, Transport Canada Senior Communications Advisor, in an email, “in general, aircraft which have not flown for an extended period of time typically require more substantial maintenance inspections and procedures to be carried out prior to resuming flight operations.”
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/202...-for-good.html
Is the massive Russian jet parked at Pearson airworthy? Inside the fight to keep it grounded in Canada for good.
A behemoth that beckons to drivers from the highway, the jet has been racking up parking fees at 74 cents per minute since late February.
By Michele Henry Staff Reporter Mon., June 27, 2022
As a Russian-owned Antonov An-124 ‘Ruslan’ sits idle and unused at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, a Canadian cargo broker is trying to make sure it stays grounded — even after Canada takes the jet off its no-fly list.
“There’s concern that if it gets back into Russian hands, it could be very useful in the current conflict,” Bill Clark, a Toronto-based aviation lawyer at YYZlaw representing the cargo broker company, told the Star. “We want to ensure that doesn’t happen.”
Clark said he’s exploring options for his client, a large logistics company that transports goods across the globe and did not want to be named for fear of retribution by other countries and companies in the tight-knit, global aviation community.
A global cargo mover, the Canadian business has no financial stake in the fate of the Ruslan, its owner told the Star on condition of anonymity, but decided to intervene because “it is the right thing to do.”
The jet, the largest cargo carrier in the world, has been parked on an unused swath of airfield at Pearson since Feb. 27. That’s when Canada, in solidarity with Ukraine, closed its skies to Russian aircraft.
A behemoth that beckons to drivers from the highway, the jet has been racking up parking fees at 74 cents per minute and, Clark said, quickly turning into a “giant paperweight.”
Its fitness to fly — or not fly — Clark said, is one way his client may be able to keep the jet on terra firma.
Planes that sit around for months can quickly deteriorate, he said. But, according to a recent court decision and police notice obtained by the Star, the jet may have an even bigger problem: Its certificate of “airworthiness,” may not be valid.
The Star found the ruling online at a website that catalogues Ukraine court documents.
Russian officials connected to the Volga Dnepr group of companies “knowingly forged” the safety documents in order to gain “undue advantage,” an English translation of the March 21, 2022 court decision said.
Along with other Antonov planes owned by Volga Dnepr, a Russian aviation company, the Antonov An-124 has a “unique” design and can only be deemed airworthy by the Antonov Company and its unique system of maintenance, the decision said. That’s why the Antonov Company, the jet’s original manufacturer in Ukraine, is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the entire fleet of Antonov An-124s, it said.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) confirmed in an e-mail to the Star that aircraft can be certified as “airworthy” in the state where they are registered. The planes have not been returned to the Antonov Company since their previous safety certificates expired, the documents said, and so, should remain on the ground.
“In order to ensure flight safety and eliminate the possible occurrence of serious consequences,” a police investigator in Kyiv wrote in the March 23 notice. “I request to take measures to prohibit the operation of these aircraft, including any action aimed at landing/takeoff.”
The Ukranian court decision identifies the jet by its Russian registration and includes plane RA-82074. The jet at Pearson has the number 82074 printed on its side.
Volga Dnepr communications specialist Elena Boykova, told the Star in an email that the company “will not be commenting on this issue.”
But, counsellor Vladimir Proskuryakov, of the Russian Embassy in Ottawa, told the Star that the Ruslans have been flying without issue — or concern — for 20 years. Questions about their safety or airworthiness, he said, are “not up to Ukraine to decide.”
Volga Dnepr has made arrangements for the jet to be properly maintained, he said, and the plane should not have any safety issues. When asked if the jet would be used in its war against Ukraine, if returned to Russia, Proskuryakov said “it’s not possible.”
“The plane is absolutely commercial,” he said, “and it is built and used for civil purposes only. It does not transport any military troops or equipment.”
Since late February, he said, the Russian embassy has been assisting Volga Dnepr in its bid to get the plane back. The decision to ground it, he said, does not only make it unavailable to deliver humanitarian aid around the world but it is also “an injustice” and “illegal.”
The jet flew to Canada to deliver COVID-19 supplies on a contract for the federal government, he said, and Canada has no business keeping it.
“We do not understand the legality of these actions,” he said. “We consider them totally abnormal and illegal.”
In an email to the Star, Public Services and Procurement Canada said it hired a logistics company to bring pandemic supplies into the country and that company sub-contracted the Feb. 27 shipment to Volga Dnepr.
The jet left China on Feb. 25 carrying three million federally purchased rapid antigen tests, the PSPC email said and arrived in Toronto on Feb. 27. Since then, the email said, the company with the federal contract has “stopped securing flights from Russian airlines.”
Transport Canada said, in an email to the Star, that it has no plans to open Canada’s skies to Russian aircraft anytime soon.
While it can’t speak to the airworthiness of the jet, wrote Sau Sau Liu, Transport Canada Senior Communications Advisor, in an email, “in general, aircraft which have not flown for an extended period of time typically require more substantial maintenance inspections and procedures to be carried out prior to resuming flight operations.”
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/202...-for-good.html
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Do they regularly run it?
Some spectacular lies from the Russian Embassy there! For an aircraft that was designed and built specifically as a military strategic heavy-airlifter Vlad the fibber is simply parroting the standard Russian vranyo. (An official statement that everyone knows is a barefaced lie, including the people that issued it - it's an official means of ending discussion of a subject)
"When asked if the jet would be used in its war against Ukraine, if returned to Russia, Proskuryakov said “it’s not possible.” Vranyo! "Of course it's impossible, there isn't a war with Ukraine!" Of course! It's just a 'special military exercise' isn't it?
"It is built and used for civil purposes only. It does not transport any military troops or equipment.” Vranyo! Just read the first line of the Wiki page for a start, leave alone the rest...
And of course it gets the proper maintenance. It was probably overhauled in the factory a couple of years ago and has been kept in fuel, oil and (reluctantly) tyres ever since. It needs nothing more for a year or two. Well, bar the odd weekly engine change.
I trust Canada ensures this machine remains where it is until it can be sold/scrapped as war reparations for Ukraine.
"When asked if the jet would be used in its war against Ukraine, if returned to Russia, Proskuryakov said “it’s not possible.” Vranyo! "Of course it's impossible, there isn't a war with Ukraine!" Of course! It's just a 'special military exercise' isn't it?
"It is built and used for civil purposes only. It does not transport any military troops or equipment.” Vranyo! Just read the first line of the Wiki page for a start, leave alone the rest...
And of course it gets the proper maintenance. It was probably overhauled in the factory a couple of years ago and has been kept in fuel, oil and (reluctantly) tyres ever since. It needs nothing more for a year or two. Well, bar the odd weekly engine change.
I trust Canada ensures this machine remains where it is until it can be sold/scrapped as war reparations for Ukraine.
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You do realise that it was actually doing an emergency lift of Covid related items on behalf of Canada when it was seized on landing, they could have stopped in Russia when the embargo was announced but they didn't. It does seem a bit naughty to allow it to fly all the way to its destination so they could get the vital cargo and then impound it, instead of refusing permission for it to enter Canadian airspace. They could have equally have then told them they were persona non grata in the country and asked to leave the country after unloading. People seem to forget the are a civilian company who transported the Wests military harware around the globe..
A C of A expired is not the end of the world, they may get permission to ferry it to a place of maintenance, especially as it is on the Russian register.. Thats why i asked if they were doing anti det runs on it.
Following sanctions issued against Russia amid the country's ongoing military invasion of Ukraine, Canadian authorities have impounded an Antonov An-124 flown by Volga-Dnepr Airlines. The Ukrainian-built cargo jet has flown for the Russian airfreight specialist for its entire career, and was in Canada to deliver COVID tests.According to ch-aviation.com, the aircraft in question bears the registration RA-82078. Clocking in at 27.21 years old, the aircraft presently flies for Ulyanovsk-based Russian cargo carrier Volga-Dnepr Airlines, and has done so consistently since its delivery there in September 1996. It arrived in Canada at the end of last month.
Specifically, ch-aviation reports that it came to the country carrying a shipment of COVID-19 testing kits ordered from China. Data from FlightRadar24.com shows that the last leg of this journey took it from Anchorage to Toronto, arriving on February 27th. Following Canada's airspace ban on Russian carriers and aircraft, the country impounded it a day later in Toronto, where it has remained ever since.
Specifically, ch-aviation reports that it came to the country carrying a shipment of COVID-19 testing kits ordered from China. Data from FlightRadar24.com shows that the last leg of this journey took it from Anchorage to Toronto, arriving on February 27th. Following Canada's airspace ban on Russian carriers and aircraft, the country impounded it a day later in Toronto, where it has remained ever since.
You do realise that it was actually doing an emergency lift of Covid related items on behalf of Canada when it was seized on landing, they could have stopped in Russia when the embargo was announced but they didn't. It does seem a bit naughty to allow it to fly all the way to its destination so they could get the vital cargo and then impound it, instead of refusing permission for it to enter Canadian airspace. They could have equally have then told them they were persona non grata in the country and asked to leave the country after unloading. People seem to forget the are a civilian company who transported the Wests military harware around the globe..
How sweet!
Such nasty, ungrateful people to impound such a vital military asset... Ungrateful rotters, aren't they?
Loose Nut, I can only take it that have you never been on board any Russian "civilian" cargo transport aircraft? Never noticed the O2 rails that span the length and breadth of the hold? With spigots every metre or so? What are these for, homeopathic imports of rare Anteaters? Civil transports my fundament!
Everyone knows the entire fleet of Russian 'civil registered' heavy lifters are in fact purpose-designed military aircraft in civil paint earning $$$ in sham 'companies' until they're needed for their main purpose? (At risk of being didactic... paratroops and front-line heavy delivery)
Is there a a Western comparison? C5s in Pan-Am colours? The UK fleet of Hercs on hire in jolly Post Office livery? The Russian comparison is exactly - identically as risible. But unfortunately 100% real. But is anyone really fooled?
It scares me that there really are people in today's parlous situation so detached from reality as to even begin to believe sich self-evident, nonsensical clpatrap.
Last edited by meleagertoo; 1st Jul 2022 at 14:09.
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Yes I have been on Russian cargo planes, yes I know what they were and are, Indeed I suggested when it was impounded it should be handed over to Antonov in reparations to the one they have which was severely damaged by Russia.
The fact is they could have simply refused to let it enter Canadian airspace, by allowing it they broke their own sanctions simply to get the cargo, as to what they are doing now, well, from what I have read Russia has given them a massive bailout to stop them going bust, they operate a lot of western aircraft too, they will also be having problems with spares for the AN124's as they are built in Ukraine who I somehow think will not be supporting them, and they damaged the factory's etc
The rest of your post, sorry I won't bother with as it is just drivel.
..
The fact is they could have simply refused to let it enter Canadian airspace, by allowing it they broke their own sanctions simply to get the cargo, as to what they are doing now, well, from what I have read Russia has given them a massive bailout to stop them going bust, they operate a lot of western aircraft too, they will also be having problems with spares for the AN124's as they are built in Ukraine who I somehow think will not be supporting them, and they damaged the factory's etc
The rest of your post, sorry I won't bother with as it is just drivel.
..
Last edited by NutLoose; 1st Jul 2022 at 12:26.
Do we know that Canada allowed it in when sanctions were in place, or, since it's been there since February, perhaps its arrival coincided with sanctions being announced?
Either way releasing a military strategic airlifter to Putain would be irresponsible in the extreme.
Either way releasing a military strategic airlifter to Putain would be irresponsible in the extreme.
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Dave, you've lost me there?
https://www.volga-dnepr.com/en/
https://www.volga-dnepr.com/en/about/group_profile/
https://www.aircargonews.net/airline...rs-to-lessors/
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/techn...rgo/ar-AAYJ6SL
Etihad Cargo will seek to acquire AirBridgeCargo's fleet of 16 Boeing 747 freighters - 12 Boeing 747-8Fs and four Boeing 747-400Fs - along with its staff. A revenue-sharing agreement is likely but only if it is in line with sanctions.
The majority of AirBridgeCargo's fleet is on lease with six different aviation lessors. Etihad plans to obtain the entire fleet through new leasing agreements, an arrangement that would appeal to lessors who have struggled to repossess aircraft stuck in Russia.
AirBridgeCargo has 16 Boeing 747Fs that could find a new home at Etihad. Any deal with AirBridgeCargo would be politically sensitive given the situation in Ukraine, while current economic sanctions on Russia also make it a legal minefield. One likely workaround would involve Volga-Dnepr Group’s former European GSA, AirFreight Logistics, established as a new entity to handle sales.
https://www.volga-dnepr.com/en/
21.02.2022
AirBridgeCargo receives its 12th traditional Bembel from Frankfurt Cargo Services AirBridgeCargo Airlines (ABC), the scheduled air cargo carrier within Volga-Dnepr Group with expertise in integrated logistics services, has been awarded the Bembel prize for the 12th consecutive year.
AirBridgeCargo receives its 12th traditional Bembel from Frankfurt Cargo Services AirBridgeCargo Airlines (ABC), the scheduled air cargo carrier within Volga-Dnepr Group with expertise in integrated logistics services, has been awarded the Bembel prize for the 12th consecutive year.
Volga-Dnepr Group:
Volga-Dnepr Group Engineering and Logistics Center (ELC) works 24/7/365 and provides customers with comprehensive logistics services. ELC professionals have over 20 years of experience in the air cargo industry.
Volga-Dnepr Group also includes companies which provide customers and partners with insurance, consulting and educational services. Volga-Dnepr Moscow LLC acts as the managing company and is in charge of strategic management of all structural units within the Group.
Volga-Dnepr pursues the strategy of leadership which is built around promotion of the “Cargo Supermarket” concept and contemplates for mutually complementary use of the best Russian and Western transport aircraft. In its business initiatives and strategic development, the Group advocates for the principles of care for the future, high professionalism, client-centric approach, financial stability and transparency, safety and leadership.
- the world leader in the unique, oversize and heavy cargo market, successfully representing the Russian airfreight industry in the international market since 1990;
- three leading Russian all-cargo carriers: Volga-Dnepr Airlines and AirBridgeCargo Airlines —honored with the prestigious “Wings of Russia” national aviation award on many occasions, and Atran Airlines — with its history starting back in 1942;
- multinational team of 3,500 employees in nine countries.
Volga-Dnepr Group Engineering and Logistics Center (ELC) works 24/7/365 and provides customers with comprehensive logistics services. ELC professionals have over 20 years of experience in the air cargo industry.
Volga-Dnepr Group also includes companies which provide customers and partners with insurance, consulting and educational services. Volga-Dnepr Moscow LLC acts as the managing company and is in charge of strategic management of all structural units within the Group.
Volga-Dnepr pursues the strategy of leadership which is built around promotion of the “Cargo Supermarket” concept and contemplates for mutually complementary use of the best Russian and Western transport aircraft. In its business initiatives and strategic development, the Group advocates for the principles of care for the future, high professionalism, client-centric approach, financial stability and transparency, safety and leadership.
Russian media has reported that AirBridgeCargo (ABC) has applied to the Russian Ministry of Transport with a request to return 14 freighters to foreign lessors.
According to the Russia-based Kommersant newspaper Volga-Dnepr Group-owned ABC plans to return 14 out of 16 cargo Boeing 747s, all of which are stored at Sheremetyevo Airport.
According to the Russia-based Kommersant newspaper Volga-Dnepr Group-owned ABC plans to return 14 out of 16 cargo Boeing 747s, all of which are stored at Sheremetyevo Airport.
Etihad Cargo could take over AirBridgeCargo
Etihad Cargo is mulling over a deal that would see it take on Russian cargo airline AirBridgeCargo's fleet and staff. AirBridgeCargo, part of the Volga-Dnepr Group, has been forced to shut down operations in light of sanctions placed on Russian-owned entities earlier this year.Etihad Cargo will seek to acquire AirBridgeCargo's fleet of 16 Boeing 747 freighters - 12 Boeing 747-8Fs and four Boeing 747-400Fs - along with its staff. A revenue-sharing agreement is likely but only if it is in line with sanctions.
The majority of AirBridgeCargo's fleet is on lease with six different aviation lessors. Etihad plans to obtain the entire fleet through new leasing agreements, an arrangement that would appeal to lessors who have struggled to repossess aircraft stuck in Russia.
AirBridgeCargo has 16 Boeing 747Fs that could find a new home at Etihad. Any deal with AirBridgeCargo would be politically sensitive given the situation in Ukraine, while current economic sanctions on Russia also make it a legal minefield. One likely workaround would involve Volga-Dnepr Group’s former European GSA, AirFreight Logistics, established as a new entity to handle sales.
I stand corrected.
AirBridgeCargo started life in 2004 as a division of Volga-Dnepr, based in Luxembourg. ABC obtained its own AOC in 2007 as an independent carrier based in Moscow. It is, however, still part of the VDA Group.
AirBridgeCargo started life in 2004 as a division of Volga-Dnepr, based in Luxembourg. ABC obtained its own AOC in 2007 as an independent carrier based in Moscow. It is, however, still part of the VDA Group.
Yes I have been on Russian cargo planes, yes I know what they were and are, Indeed I suggested when it was impounded it should be handed over to Antonov in reparations to the one they have which was severely damaged by Russia.
The fact is they could have simply refused to let it enter Canadian airspace, by allowing it they broke their own sanctions simply to get the cargo, as to what they are doing now, well, from what I have read Russia has given them a massive bailout to stop them going bust, they operate a lot of western aircraft too, they will also be having problems with spares for the AN124's as they are built in Ukraine who I somehow think will not be supporting them, and they damaged the factory's etc
The rest of your post, sorry I won't bother with as it is just drivel.
..
The fact is they could have simply refused to let it enter Canadian airspace, by allowing it they broke their own sanctions simply to get the cargo, as to what they are doing now, well, from what I have read Russia has given them a massive bailout to stop them going bust, they operate a lot of western aircraft too, they will also be having problems with spares for the AN124's as they are built in Ukraine who I somehow think will not be supporting them, and they damaged the factory's etc
The rest of your post, sorry I won't bother with as it is just drivel.
..
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Thanks Dave, I thought i was getting senile...er 
I think we all heartily agree with that.
Thanks BPF for the update.... However that being said if seizing reduces Putin's capacity to destroy Ukraine even if it is to very small extent, than I am quite happy at the outcome.
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And, maybe puncture another balloon:
Given the Covid-19 state end of Feb 2022, world-wide, especially Canada, it is unlikely, there was PRECIOUS Covid-19 cargo on board. Maybe some masks or other stuff, but by that time, the need was no longer urgent and the supply of Covid-19 materials was outright ample, all over the world. So, it was just "commercial" cargo, with maybe a relation to Covid-19 materials. Of course, I have zero X-hand information about that, though applying some logic, I can not come to another conclusion, just another Russian exaggeration, or even outright lie.
The only country having serious Covid-19 issues is/are China (and North-Korea), nowadays.
Please correct me, when wrong.
Given the Covid-19 state end of Feb 2022, world-wide, especially Canada, it is unlikely, there was PRECIOUS Covid-19 cargo on board. Maybe some masks or other stuff, but by that time, the need was no longer urgent and the supply of Covid-19 materials was outright ample, all over the world. So, it was just "commercial" cargo, with maybe a relation to Covid-19 materials. Of course, I have zero X-hand information about that, though applying some logic, I can not come to another conclusion, just another Russian exaggeration, or even outright lie.
The only country having serious Covid-19 issues is/are China (and North-Korea), nowadays.
Please correct me, when wrong.
The cargo was a shipment of COVID rapid tests
What a ridiculous, irrational irrelevance.
Its next cargo could easily have been ten Million .762 rounds or half a squadron of T72 tanks.
What a bizarre concept to conflate the 'rights' of a leaglly and reasonably impounded strategic asset with the humanitarian nature of its previous cargo!
If the Moskva had just returned to the Black Sea following a humanitarian visit to some volcano-struck island would it have made her sinking any the less necessary, or any the more deplorable?
"Yeah! I know Officer, boot's fulla coke innit? But I delivered meals on wheels in this car this afternoon so I ain't done nuffink wrong! Av-eye?"
Heavens above !
Its next cargo could easily have been ten Million .762 rounds or half a squadron of T72 tanks.
What a bizarre concept to conflate the 'rights' of a leaglly and reasonably impounded strategic asset with the humanitarian nature of its previous cargo!
If the Moskva had just returned to the Black Sea following a humanitarian visit to some volcano-struck island would it have made her sinking any the less necessary, or any the more deplorable?
"Yeah! I know Officer, boot's fulla coke innit? But I delivered meals on wheels in this car this afternoon so I ain't done nuffink wrong! Av-eye?"
Heavens above !
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Great, so, nothing really urgent, by the end of Feb 2022, Canada was in its heydays of Covid-10 infections. Rapid tests slightly delayed would have been just a nuisance. As meleagertoo also states, the next AN-124 shipment could have a significantly greater negative impact, if the Russian government had impounded the use of the aircraft for military purposes. As always with Russia, just lies, lies, lies to obtain something.