France 'to Terminate Contract' with Russia on Mistrale Warships

A Mistral-class ship sailing under a Chinese flag. Photo by EPA/BGNES

France is about to ditch the deal on two Mistral-class warships whose delivery to Russia it suspended over the Ukraine crisis, a prominent Russian daily argues.

Paris has already sent to Moscow documents that include a proposal for a EUR 785 M settlement to end contracts on the delivery, Kommersant reports, citing its own sources.

Under the proposal, Moscow would receive the money if it allowed for the Sevastopol and Vladivostok, both procured by the Russian Navy, to be sold to "a third country" without provisos. To this end, both the Russian government and state-owned company Rosoboronexport should give their written permission.

Russia, however, is unlikely to agree, claiming it could suffer EUR 1.163 M in losses, Kommersant writes.

Earlier, French President Francois Hollande had explained that a final decision depended on Russia's position on the conflict in Ukraine's east. Back then reports suggested he had been under pressure from EU partners amid debates over whether to impose sanctions on Moscow.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!