What is behind Putin’s demand for Russian gas be paid in rubles? – By Al Jazeera and News Agencies (Al Jazeera) / April 1, 2022
Moscow threatens to halt contracts supplying Europe with a third of its gas unless they are paid in Russian currency.
President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree requiring buyers of Russian gas from countries deemed hostile to pay in roubles from Friday using a special account at a Russian bank, or see their contracts halted.
His move was rejected by European governments, with Germany – Europe’s industrial powerhouse – calling it “political blackmail”.
Here is what to know:
What is behind Putin’s order?
Putin’s order is in retaliation to unprecedented Western sanctions imposed on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow says are akin to an economic war.
CONTINUE > https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/4/1/what-is-behind-putin-payment-demand
