Ros-Lehtinen Says French Sale of Assault Ships to Russia Threatens Regional Security

Statement

U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement today on news that a deal to sell French-made Mistral assault ships to Russia has been signed:

"It is deeply troubling that France, a NATO ally, has decided to ignore the clear danger of selling advanced warships to Russia even as Moscow is taking an increasingly hostile approach toward the U.S., its neighbors, and Europe itself. Many of our allies in the region, such as Georgia and the Baltic states, have experienced cyber attacks, severe economic pressure, and even invasion by Russia.

"It is a profound mistake to arm our opponents for profit or for the mirage of cooperation that never materializes.

"Selling sophisticated weaponry such as the Mistral assault ship is also of deep concern because of Russia's history of providing weapons to rogue regimes like Iran and Syria. Moscow's continuing assistance to Iran's nuclear program, its efforts to undermine NATO's missile defense system, and its strengthening ties with Cuba, Venezuela, and other opponents of the U.S. render it unfit for military cooperation.

"The Administration must strongly urge our NATO and EU allies to stop selling weapons systems to Russia that can be used against the interests of the U.S., Europe, and our many other allies."

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