France and Russia have resolved their dispute over the outstnading delivery of two Mistral warships, the French presidency announced Wednesday, saying Paris will refund Moscow the money for the military weaponry, according to dpa. The statement follows talks between French President Francois Hollande with Russian President Vladimir Putin. French state-owned naval shipbuilder DCNS had a contract for two 22,000-tonne Mistral-class warships ordered by Russia in 2010 for a price of 1.2 billion euros (1.3 billion dollars). France was expected to deliver the first warship to Russia in October or November. It suspended the deal because of Russia's backing for separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine. The Mistral-class warships are helicopter carriers designed to transport military helicopters and tanks.
