As a lever of pressure on the West to lift sanctions against Russia Vladimir Putin uses natural gasreiterating on Thursday in Moscow that from tomorrow Friday, the repayments will have to be made in rubles, otherwise he will proceed with the cancellation of the contracts he has concluded.
The Russian president signed the decree for gas payments in rubles and spoke of an “economic war” and stressed that he was determined to react and deal an economic blow to Western countries.
Watch the video with Vladimir Putin’s statements:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evpnGt6a5p8
“Those who want to supply Russian gas, will have to open bank accounts in Russian banks from tomorrow and pay in rubles”Vladimir Putin stated characteristically, clarifying that his decision will not exclude anyone.
“If the price is not paid in rubles, we will consider that the buyers have violated our agreement, with all that entails” The Russian president added: “Nobody sells to us for free and we will not do charity to them. These contracts will be suspended».
Just minutes after the decree was signed by the Russian president and announced on Russian television, the price of gas in international markets jumped from 113 euros to 127 euros.
Germany and France reject Putin ultimatum – We do not pay in rubles
Germany and France reject Russia’s request that European countries pay in rubles for the Russian gas they buy, arguing that this demand amounts to an unacceptable breach of contract and “blackmail”.
In a press conference in Berlin with his French counterpart, German Economy Minister Robert Habeck said he had not yet seen the new decree signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin imposing gas payments in rubles, adding that Germany is ready for all scenarios, including the interruption of Russian gas flows to Europe.
French Foreign Minister Bruno Lemerre said France and Germany were rejecting Russia’s request.
Russia’s attempt to divide the Western allies by demanding payments for gas in rubles has failed, Habeck said, adding that the Western allies are determined not to be “blackmailed” by Russia.
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