MASCOW: Russia wants $1.32 billion (1.163 billion euros) from France in compensation for canceling a contract to deliver two Mistral helicopter carriers, a Russian source close to the negotiations said.
French President Francois Holland has come under pressure from his Western allies not to deliver the Mistrals because of Russia’s role in the Ukraine crisis.
He discussed the 2011 contract, worth 1.19 billion euros, with Russian President Vladimir Putin last month, and Moscow has said it is willing to accept financial compensation if Paris does not fulfill the deal.
The source said Russia was eyeing 1.163 billion euros, confirming a report Friday by the Russian daily Kommersant, which also said Paris was offering to pay 785 million euros.
The 1.163 billion euros figure is a touch below the value of the contract,” said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
