Ukraine in Arabic | France to stop a warship delivery to Russia
KYIV/Ukraine in Arabic/ President Francois Holland’s office has said that France is suspending the delivery of a hulking warship to Russia amid security concerns about Moscow's actions in neighboring Ukraine. France has come under severe pressure from its allies to halt the sale of the two advanced vessels.
Earlier on Wednesday Holland convened a special defense panel and said that despite talk of a possible cease-fire in Ukraine, that's not enough to allow France to authorize the delivery of the warship.
Russian state-controlled arms trader Rosoboronexport and France's DCNS signed a contract on the construction of the first two Mistral-class helicopter carriers for the Russian Navy in June 2011. The delivery of the Vladivostok, the first of two Mistral-class helicopter carriers ordered by Russia, was scheduled for this autumn.
The contract is the most significant Western arms deal with Russia currently on the books.
The Mistrals can transport helicopters, troops and armored vehicles.
The decision will be reviewed in November.
