France is defending its approval of warship sales to Russia, amid concerns from the US and former Soviet republics. If completed, the deal would be the first major military sale by a NATO member to Russia, and would significantly boost the Russian Navy's capabilities.
Reuters reported that other NATO members and former Soviet republics, such as Lithuania and Georgia, have expressed concern about the deal. The assault ships are able to carry helicopters, troops, armored vehicles, and tanks. This advanced technology could potentially be used against NATO members or small, non-NATO Russian neighbors such as Georgia.
Note EU-Digest: The concerns by former Soviet Republics on this issue certainly do not outweigh Russia's long term relationship with the EU.
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