Putin Row Leaves France Holding Two Carriers It Doesn’t Need

Two cranes loom over France’s Atlantic port of Saint-Nazaire as workers build the “Sevastopol,” the second of two helicopter carriers destined for Russia, unperturbed by the diplomatic row that’s blocked their delivery.

Nearby, the first ship, the “Vladivostok” remains moored, way past its October delivery date after President Vladimir Putin’s incursions in Ukraine led to the contract’s suspension in line with U.S. and European Union sanctions against Russia.

“A cease-fire won’t be enough, a more sustainable and solid solution will be needed,” said Jean-Pierre Maulny, deputy director at the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs, in an interview. “We’ll end up with two boats on our hands if the contract is canceled. That will have a cost, even if it’s hard to measure.”

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