Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded foreign buyers to pay for Russian gas in roubles from Friday or else will have their supplies cut. The European countries rejected the call and Germany remarked the move as “blackmail”.
The statement by Putin left Europe at the risk of losing more than third of its gas supply. Germany which heavily relies on Russian gas has activated an emergency plan to ration gas.
Putin said buyers of Russian gas “must open rouble accounts in Russian banks. It is from these accounts that payments will be made for gas delivered starting from tomorrow,” or April 1.
“If such payments are not made, we will consider this a default on the part of buyers, with all the ensuing consequences. Nobody sells us anything for free, and we are not going to do charity either – that is, existing contracts will be stopped,” he said in televised remarks.
Meanwhile, Italy said it was in contact with European partners to give a firm response to Russia. The country also added it own gas reserves would allow smooth operation of even in the event of disruptions.
