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Russia Demands France Deliver Mistral Warships or Return Money

The two Mistral-class helicopter carriers Sevastopol (L) and Vladivostok are seen at the STX Les Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard site in Saint-Nazaire, western France, on Dec. 23, 2014.

Russia's Defense Ministry said on Wednesday that France must fulfill a contract to deliver two Mistral helicopter carriers or return Moscow's money as uncertainty over the 1.2 billion euro ($1.5 billion) deal still lingers.

"Regarding the Mistrals, here a contract is in place. All the terms are spelled out in the contract: terms of delivery, penalties, procedures. We can demand a refund," said Deputy Defence Minister Anatoly Antonov told Interfax news agency.

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