France has been under pressure to cancel its contract with Russia for Mistral war ships French President François Hollande has suspended the delivery of the first of two Mistral helicopter carriers to Russia “until further notice”, in a toughening of his stance over the controversial arms sale. Mr Hollande, who has been under pressure from western allies to scrap the €1.2bn contract amid escalating tensions with Russia over Ukraine , did not go so far as to cancel the contract, but made its suspension indefinite. “The President of the Republic considers that the situation in the east of Ukraine still does not permit the delivery of the first BPC (helicopter carrying and command vessel),” a statement from Mr Hollande’s office said. More On this story On this topic IN Europe “He has therefore decided that it is appropriate to suspend, until further notice, examination of the request for the […]