For Russia it is better to get money back than have Mistral ships — Rogozin

MOSCOW, December 24. /TASS/. Russia's deputy defense chief has demanded that France honours its obligations to complete the suspended Mistral helicopter carrier warship contract or return Moscow's money.

France had joined western anti-Russian sanctions and military partnership was frozen, Anatoly Antonov told reporters on Wednesday. But the Mistral contract existed, he said. "Everything is stipulated in the deal, including terms of delivery, penalty sanctions, procedures of how we can ask for a refund."

"No Mistral, so bring back the money," Antonov said. "There is nothing personal in this issue. This is business. The contract is in effect and its terms should be fulfilled.”