Russia says Ukraine defaulted on $3 billion Eurobond

Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko arrives to attend a summit to discuss the conflict in Ukraine at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, October 2, 2015. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia will file a lawsuit against Ukraine after Kiev failed to repay a $3 billion (£2 billion) Eurobond and $75 million of interest by Dec. 31, the Russian finance ministry said late on Thursday.

The decision was expected as Russia has repeatedly said it would regard non-payment as a default and file a lawsuit. The Eurobond was issued by the government of former President Viktor Yanukovich in late 2013 and bought by Russia in its entirety.