France is suspending “until further notice” the delivery of a warship to Russia because of the Ukraine crisis.

The office of French President Francois Hollande said in a statement Tuesday that the “current situation in eastern Ukraine still does not allow for the delivery” of the first Mistral-class helicopter carrier built for Russia.

In response, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yury Borisov told the RIA Novosti news agency that Moscow is waiting patiently and not filing a claim against France for breach of contract. 

The first of two Mistral-class warships built for Russia, the Vladivostok was to be delivered in early November, as part of a $1.6 billion contract signed between the two countries in 2011.  

France has come under fierce criticism from its allies over the deal because of Russia’s actions in eastern Ukraine.
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