After continued pressure from its European and American allies, France has decided to suspend the sale of two Mistral-class amphibious assault ships to Russia. The move comes as tensions between Russia and the Ukraine continue to increase. France, however, does not seem willing to outright cancel the contract.

On Tuesday, France announced it would suspend the delivery of a finished Mistral-class ship to Russia, according to The Associated Press. The French government cited the current situation in Eastern Europe as the reason.

The completed ship, Vladivostok, is currently docked at the French port of Saint Nazaire. Around 400 Russian sailors have been training aboard the ship in anticipation of its delivery. The second ship, Sevastopol, has just arrived at the same port to begin the final stages of construction. Vladivostok was originally to be delivered in mid-November, and Sevastopol was to be delivered next year.

The French government's statement did not outright cancel the 1 billion euros contract (around $1.24 billion) possibly because of the current economic climate in France, DW reports.

"The president of the Republic believes that the current situation in eastern Ukraine still does not allow the transfer of the first Mistral helicopter carrier," the French government's statement said, according to Russian news agency TASS. "Therefore, he has recommended postponing the issue of studying the request for the needed permission for the export of the first helicopter carrier ship of the Russian Federation until new orders are given."

If France fails to deliver the ships, Russia will be within its rights to sue the French government for breach of contract, which would cost France millions of euros.

Yuri Borisov, Russia's deputy defense minister, said Russia would sue if France fails to deliver.

"Russia will be acting in compliance with the contract. If they don't give it [to us], we will sue them and demand that penalties are paid. Russia's behavior is strictly in line with the contract which has been signed," he said.

France's foreign minister, Laurent Fabius, criticized both Russia and the Ukraine, according to the BBC.

"On the Russian side, there is an unacceptable direct or indirect presence on the side of the separatists," he said.

He also disapproved of Ukraine's call for a referendum on joining NATO.

Vladivostok can carry 700 troops, 16 attack helicopters and as much as 50 armored vehicles.

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