France sells Russia 1.2b euros war ships

While the EU, together with the US are adding more and more sanctions to Russia in order to slow down its economy and power-driven urges, France is going to deliver it two Mistral helicopter carriers, worth approximately 1.2 billion euros.

French officials defend themselves by highlighting that the contract between the two countries was signed when the geopolitical situation was calm and stable and no future sanctions hovered over Russia's economy.

President Francois Hollande said that: 'This contract was signed in 2011, it will be carried out. For the moment it is not in question.'

France's breech of the US and the UN agreement stands as evidence that not all countries are so united in punishing Vladimir Putin for his recent actions.

The two ships will be built by the shipbuilder STX and the French state-owned military contractor DCNS. The first helicopter carrier is to be delivered to the Russians as soon as October, while the second is due 2016.

Russian sailors are expected in France next month to commence the Mistral training.