There is international reaction to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s threat to cut gas supplies to what he described as “unfriendly” countries if they don’t start paying for gas imports in Russian roubles.
Western companies and governments have rejected Russia’s demands as a breach of existing contracts, which are set in euros or US dollars.
Germany is Russia’s largest customer in the European Union.
The country’s Economy Minister, Robert Habeck, said: “It is important for us not to give a signal that we will be blackmailed by Putin.”
German Finance Minister, Christian Lindner, echoed his words: “It is clear for us there can be no political blackmail.”
France also insists “contracts are contracts”.
In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, says paying in roubles is “not something we will be looking into”.
Dutch Energy Company, Eneco, states it has a long-term contract with Wingas, a German subsidiary of Russia’s Gazprom, for delivery until 2030.
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