France has warned it has suspended the delivery of the first Mistral-class helicopter carrier to Russia over its alleged role in the Ukraine crisis.

      The deal for two Mistral ships worth 1.2 bn euros was signed in June 2011.

      The helicopter carriers were expected to enter service with the Northern and the Pacific fleets in 2014 and 2015. It is planned to use the ships for the support of forces in the Kuril Islands.

      A Mistral-class ship is capable of carrying 16 helicopters, four landing vessels, 70 armored vehicles, and 450 personnel.

      France has repeatedly insisted it will stick to the contractual provisions despite numerous calls from the US and other allies to cancel the deal.