Russian, French Leaders May Discuss Mistral Deal in Armenia on Friday

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Francois Hollande may discuss the topic of the Mistral-class helicopter carrier contract during a meeting in the Armenian capital of Yerevan at the end of the week, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said Wednesday.

“The topic of the Mistral may be brought up during the meeting in Yerevan, but there are a lot of issues up for discussion, first and foremost on Ukraine. But I will note that the topic of the Mistral is heavily discussed between the governments of both countries,” Ushakov told journalists.

On Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin and Hollande could discuss the delivery of the Mistral-class helicopter carriers in Yerevan if the latter raises the issue.

On Thursday, the Russian President said France’s refusal to fulfill its contract to supply Mistral-class helicopter carriers to Russia has no impact on the country's defense capabilities.

According to the terms of Russia's $1.5-billion Mistral delivery contract with France, signed in 2011, Paris was due to deliver the first of the two Mistral-class ships, the Vladivostok, to the Russian Navy by November 14, 2014.

However, French President put the transfer on hold, citing Russia's alleged role in the ongoing Ukrainian internal crisis.

Moscow has repeatedly denied any involvement in Ukraine's internal conflict, warning that it could file a lawsuit against Paris if contractual obligations for the Mistral deal remain unfulfilled.