Turkey’s government says it is working with both the Russian and Ukrainian governments on the safekeeping and ultimate return of two of its A400M airlifters stranded in Ukraine. 

The two A400Ms landed at Kyiv’s Boryspil International Airport just hours before the Russian invasion of Ukraine in late February and have been stuck on the ground ever since, parked on a remote apron at the airport. 

Turkey’s defense minister, Hulusi Akar, told local media on March 22 that Ankara was “in contact with both Russia and Ukraine for their [the A400M’s] evacuation at the most appropriate time.” 

According to Turkish media, the aircraft had flown to Kyiv to deliver humanitarian aid when the conflict began. Akar has previously said the A400M’s crew are staying in the residence of the Turkish embassy. 

The Turkish Air Force is purchasing 10 A400M. Nine have already been delivered and the tenth is due this month. With two aircraft stuck in Ukraine, 20% of the Turkish A400M fleet is inaccessible to use.