The G7 countries were negative at the request of the Russian president, Vladimir Putinto pay in rubles for the gas they import from Russia.
Last week, Putin instructed Gazprom to accept payments only in rubles from “unfriendly countries.”
German Energy Minister Robert Habeck, following talks with his G-7 counterparts on Monday, said that if Russia’s request was accepted, it would be a clear violation of sanctions imposed on Russia.
“All G7 ministers have agreed that this is a unilateral and clear breach of existing conventions,” Habeck said after the G7 energy ministers’ teleconference.
The ministers “stressed once again that the contracts that have been concluded are valid and the companies must and must respect them. “The payment in rubles is unacceptable and we call on the companies concerned not to comply with Putin’s request,” he said.
“His effort Russian president. “It is obvious to divide us, but – as you can see from the great determination we show – we will not be divided,” concluded Mr. Habek.
Moscow threatens retaliation
However, the G7 refusal did not go unanswered by Moscow.
Russian lawmaker Ivan Abramov, quoted by Russia’s Ria news agency, said the G7’s refusal to pay for Russian gas in rubles would undoubtedly lead to a cut-off in gas supplies.
For his part, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peshkov said Russia would not do charity work if Europe refused to pay in Russian currency.
Earlier in the day, Putin gave the cabinet, the central bank and Gazprom until March 31 to change currency for countries that have imposed sanctions on Moscow when it bought Russian gas.
However, Peshkov did not disclose what measures Russia is considering if Europe refuses to pay in rubles, saying these issues will be resolved when they arise.
“But we will definitely not supply gas for free, that’s for sure. “It is difficult to participate in charity in our situation,” he said.
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