After the downing of flight MH17, the West has threatened the Kremlin with new sanctions. But France has just confirmed the sell of a helicopter carrier.
The Mistral model warship was sold by France to Russia on June, as part of a 1.2 billion-Euro-deal negotiated by the former Sarkozy administration, amidst US opposition. The formal shipment of the carrier has sparked criticism from Brussels who wants to impose tougher sanctions on the Kremlin.
In response, Jean- Christophe Cambadelis, head of the governing Socialist Party, stated that "This is a false debate led by hypocrites...when you see how many (Russian) oligarchs have sought refuge in London, David Cameron should start by cleaning up his own backyard".
The EU and the US are accusing Russia of providing weapons to the Ukrainian rebels, whom they also hold responsible for the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17.
"Just because the Americans say 'jump' we shouldn't jump," said Xavier Bertrand, former minister under Sarkozy's government.