France freezes the transfer of the first Mistral to Russia, Ukrainian patriots rejoice
Kyiv, September 03 (PolitNavigator, Mikhail Ryabov) – France is suspending the delivery of the first Mistral-class amphibious helicopter carrier to the Russian Navy in protest against Moscow’s actions towards Ukraine.
This was reported by the international French radio RFI.
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Due to the "seriousness" of the Ukrainian conflict, President Francois Hollande decided that the "conditions" required for the delivery of warships had not been met.
As France-Presse notes, France made this decision after finding itself under “strong pressure” from its NATO allies on the eve of the upcoming summit of the alliance member countries in Wales.
“Russia’s recent actions in eastern Ukraine contradict the fundamentals of security in Europe,” the French president said in a statement.
Russia ordered the construction of two helicopter carriers in France, one of which was to be received by the Pacific Fleet, the second by the Black Sea Fleet.
Ukraine has repeatedly demanded that Paris break the lucrative deal. Protests were held near the French embassy in Kyiv.
Head of the Odessa Regional Council Alexey Goncharenko, who is oriented towards Petro Poroshenko, has already expressed delight at the decision of the French authorities.
“This is a very important decision. This is not only about the fact that the combat power of the Russian fleet will not be strengthened by this modern warship. The main thing is that France is refusing a contract worth more than a billion euros. This amount is significant even for economically developed France. And this means one thing - Europe, albeit reluctantly, albeit after much hesitation, admitted that Russia had started a war against the Western world. And this war is STILL happening in the East of Ukraine. And in such a situation, it’s no longer about money. And as for Mistral. Russia wanted to call it “Vladivostok”. I propose to rename the ship “Odessa” and give it to the Ukrainian Navy,” Goncharenko is already making plans.
France freezes the transfer of the first Mistral to Russia, Ukrainian patriots rejoice