France, Germany reject Putin demands for gas payments in roubles as ‘blackmail’
France24 says Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Thursday that all EU purchases of Russian gas must be made in roubles starting April 1, a demand immediately rejected by French and German officials who said they were preparing for a possible halt in Russian supplies. Europe will not be “blackmailed” by Putin, Germany’s economy minister said.
President Vladimir Putin on Thursday warned “unfriendly” countries, including all EU members, that they would be cut off from Russian gas unless they opened an account in roubles to pay for deliveries.
“They must open rouble accounts in Russian banks. It is from these accounts that payments will be made for gas delivered starting tomorrow, April 1,” Putin said during a televised government meeting.
…………………..
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND SHARE WTX NEWS WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY:
Facebook – Please like our page
Twitter – Twitter updates available in English and Arabic. Please follow us and we would love to hear from you
Instagram – Follow our pages in English and Arabic
