The United States Administration has criticized France's intention to supply the first of two Mistral helicopter carriers to Russia, U.S. Department of State spokesperson Marie Harf has said.
“This is absolutely unacceptable,” she said, adding that Washington urges Paris to refuse to deliver the warships.
As reported, France President Francois Hollande stated that Paris
intends to deliver the first of two Mistral helicopter carriers to
Russia, while the delivery of the second one would depend on Russia’s
position regarding Ukraine.
“At present the level of sanctions [against Russia] does not preclude the supply [of the first ship],” he told reporters.
However, the president added “does this mean that the second part of
the contract – the second Mistral – will be also fulfilled? It depends
on the Russian approach [to the situation in Ukraine].”
France’s termination of the contract for the supply of helicopter carriers threatens it a forfeit exceeding 1 billion euros.
