Russia does not mind not getting Mistral but it wants its money back – Putin

(Interfax – Moscow, December 6, 2014) Russia proceeds from the fact that the contract to supply Mistral helicopter carriers will be carried out by the French side, otherwise it expects the money that has been paid to be returned, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said.

“There is a contract, and it is a legal document. We proceed from the fact that it will be implemented,” Putin said after a meeting with French President Francois Hollande.

He said the topic had not been raised during the meeting.

At the same time, according to Putin, Russia won’t complain if Mistrals are not delivered but the money will have to be returned.

“You know, we don’t have particular complaints. Of course, we hope that we will get back the money which we have already paid. But we will show understanding whichever way the situation may develop,” he emphasized.

In September French President Francois Holland said the final decision on the Mistral delivery to Russia would depend on the development of the situation in Ukraine.