Russia Plans To Sue France Over Carrier Spat

Russia has reportedly threatened to sue the French government as it refuses to hand over a helicopter carrier it had ordered.

The Tass Russia news agency quoted Yuri Borisov, the country's deputy minister of defence, threatening legal action following a decision by French president Francois Hollande to indefinitely delay the delivery.

However, it was a confused picture as a second agency believed he had ruled out going to the courts.

France has been under pressure for months from allies to scrap the €1.2bn contract because of Russia's actions in Ukraine which have resulted in tough economic sanctions being imposed on Moscow.

A Russian crew was already aboard the first of the two French-made ships, to be named Vladivostok, in Saint-Nazaire.

Construction of the second vessel, to be named after the capital of Ukraine Sevastopol, is understood to remain on track.

The statement from the French president's office said: "The President of the Republic considers that the situation in the east of Ukraine still does not permit the delivery of the first BPC (helicopter carrying and command vessel).

"He has therefore decided that it is appropriate to suspend, until further notice, examination of the request for the necessary authorisation to export the first BCP to the Russian Federation."

The ships, which can carry up to 48 helicopters, have a range of 11,000 miles and a top speed of almost 19 knots.

They also possess an amphibious assault capability, with the French Navy currently using three in service.

More follows...