Republican Decree –
The Kremlin’s gas decree, signed by Vladimir Putin, allows “enemy countries” to continue paying for natural gas in foreign currency through a Russian bank that converts money into rubles. According to the RIA Novosti news agency, in order to purchase gas, buyers will have to open two accounts, one in foreign currency and the other in rubles, with a specific Russian bank that will then make the transfer.
Schulz: “The supply is paid in euros” –
After Putin’s words, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated that gas is paid for in euros. “I made it clear in the phone call with Putin that it will remain that way,” Schultz said. “Companies will be able to pay, they will want to pay and they will pay in euros,” he added.
Draghi hears Schultz: ‘Forward united with sanctions’
– The German chancellor then spoke by phone with Mario Draghi on the issue of sanctions against the Russian Federation and on recent developments with regard to gas imports from Russia. The two leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining the sanctions regime against Russia, which has proven to be very effective. Draghi and Schultz agreed on the importance of maintaining a unified approach at the European level.
France and Germany “preparing” to cut off Russian supplies
But France and Germany are “preparing” in the event that Russia cuts off gas supplies. This was announced by French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire at a press conference he held with German Economy Minister Robert Habeck. He explained that “there could be a situation in which on Friday, under special circumstances, there will be no more Russian gas. It is up to us to prepare these scenarios as we prepare.” He added that the governments of the two countries “will coordinate closely and on a daily basis to respond to price hikes and the energy shock. We are determined to protect businesses and private budgets.”
Palazzo Chigi: “Italy will implement the lines agreed in the European Union” –
Italy on payments for Russian gas will implement the lines agreed at the European level, but at the moment there is no definitive explanation for the measure announced by Putin. This was announced by Palazzo Chigi, explaining that the European Commission is studying various explanatory aspects of the Kremlin’s actions and that at the moment it is possible to continue to make payments in euros and rubles.
The growing blacklist of anti-Russian countries
The Russian government has updated the blacklist of hostile countries: this is all EU countries, plus Australia, Albania, Andorra, the UK (including Jersey, Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands and Gibraltar), Iceland, Canada, Liechtenstein, Micronesia, Monaco and New Zealand. Zealand, Norway, Republic of Korea, San Marino, North Macedonia, Singapore, USA, Taiwan (China), Ukraine, Montenegro, Switzerland and Japan.
Gentiloni – “Moscow will not blackmail us with gas”
– Putin’s decision to pay for Russian gas in rubles is considered “a system to circumvent sanctions and blackmail Europe, but nothing in the contracts allows this.” This is what the EU Commissioner for Economic Affairs, Paolo Gentiloni, said, adding: “It was released a few hours ago, we are still looking into the details, but there are two things to say. First: contracts must be respected and there is no obligation to pay in rubles. Second: you will not blackmail us. Moscow “.
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