France delays decision on Mistral carrier delivery to Russia

France has suspended indefinitely delivery of the first of two Mistral helicopter warships to Russia, a contract worth 1.2 billion euros.

Paris has cited concerns over eastern Ukraine where the United Nations says more than 4,300 people have been killed in a pro-Russian separatist insurrection.

Russia denies any part in the conflict and says it will now pursue claims against France over non-delivery but it expects the contract to be fulfilled.