French PM: Conditions for Mistral Delivery to Russia Not Met

The conditions for delivery of French-built Mistral-class helicopter carriers to Russia haven’t been met, AFP reported Thursday citing French Prime Minister Manuel Valls.

The conditions for delivery of French-built Mistral-class helicopter carriers to Russia have not been met, a $1.5 billion deal between Russia and France is now at risk. © RIA Novosti. Alexey Danichev

“You know the French stand [on Mistral issue]. Today the conditions have not been met for their [warships] delivery to Russia,” Valls said at a news conference in Belgrade.

Russia and France signed a 1.2 billion euro ($1.5 billion) deal for the delivery of two Mistral-class warships in June 2011. The initial vessel, the Vladivostok, is expected in Russia by the end of 2014. The 2nd ship, the Sevastopol, is meant to reach in 2015.
However, the offer has been in danger considering that the West began imposing economic sanctions on Russia due to the alleged involvement in the Ukrainian conflict. French President Francois Hollande said in September France could suspend the deliveries of the ships to Russia.
A high-ranking Russian defense industry source said earlier on Thursday that Moscow was ready to attend before end of 2014 to finalize the transfer of the initial ship.