A giant Russian cargo plane, the Antonov AN-124, which has been parked at Toronto Pearson International Airport since the beginning of the Ukraine war, was spotted moving last week—setting off speculation about its fate.

Officially seized by the Canadian government in June 2023, this massive aircraft owned by Volga-Dnepr has sat idle on the tarmac since February 2022. Authorities have expressed fears that Russia might utilize it to transport military supplies in support of its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, leading to stringent sanctions against the plane.

In a rare sighting, the AN-124 was recorded slowly traversing the airport grounds last Friday, sparking curiosity among onlookers. Airport spokesperson Sean Davidson clarified that the move was temporary, stating, "The aircraft was relocated for a few hours last week for routine checks by federal officials, before returning to its designated location."

Government personnel will be monitoring the plane until September 29 for maintenance services. However, Public Services and Procurement Canada refrained from revealing further specifics due to security concerns, leaving many to wonder about the future of the aircraft.

Earlier in February, the Canadian government took steps to exert control over the aircraft, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. Global Affairs Canada highlighted that the Attorney General sought a court order for the plane’s forfeiture, with the process still unfolding.

The Russian embassy has responded strongly, labeling the seizure as "hijacking, theft, and piracy," warning that such actions could have significant consequences for Canada-Russia relations.

Originally, the AN-124 landed in Toronto to deliver COVID-19 tests, expecting to depart soon after. However, the flight was grounded when Canada closed its airspace to Russian operators amid rising geopolitical tensions.

As the mystery of the AN-124 deepens, the world watches closely—what will happen next in this unfolding saga?