Russia has sent an official request to the French Defense Ministry to explain the delay with the Mistral supplies, says Lenta.ru.

      According to a staff member of the Federal Service on the Military and Technical Cooperation, Russia needs an official document rather than verbal statements by politicians.

      Earlier, the Kremlin has declined to comment on the Mistral scandal.

      The president’s spokesperson said he would not comment the decision of France to suspend the delivery of the first Mistral-class helicopter carrier.

      Earlier, the government said it would wait patiently for the delivery of the Mistral-class helicopter carrier and refrain from sanctions for some time.

      The news came after France put the handover on hold, citing lack of progress on the ground in Ukraine.

      Russia agreed to wait until the end of November.

      In case the delivery doesn’t take place by the beginning of the winter, a provision outlined in the contract, Russia would seek damages in court.

      Earlier, the French defense minister confirmed the contract is valid but said the French shipbuilding corporation had not yet received the export permission from the government.

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

      Russia then reminded France of the fines it would have pay if it falls through with its intention to cancel the deal to supply Mistral-class helicopter carriers to Moscow.

      Russian experts and officials estimate the losses at around 3 billion euros.

      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.

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