"European parliament welcomes the decision by the French Government to halt the delivery of the Mistral helicopter carriers, and calls on all Member States to take similar line regarding exports not covered by the EU sanctions decisions, in particular as regards arms and dual-use materials," the resolution said.
The European Union, the United States and their allies took steps to sanction Russia's largest arms exporters and ban future arms deals with Moscow against the background of the Ukrainian conflict.
The $1.5 billion contract between Russian state-run arms exporter Rosoboronexport and French shipbuilder DCNS for the delivery of two Mistral-class helicopter carriers has also been put at stake amid tensions in Ukraine. French President Francois Hollande suspended the delivery of the first carrier expected in Russia by November 2014 citing Russia's alleged involvement in the Ukrainian crisis.
On Thursday, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu stated that Moscow could file a court case against Paris regarding the nonfulfillment of the contract by the latter within six months. France could face penalties of up to $10 billion if it does not fulfill its contractual obligations, according to experts.
