The Presidential 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, which converts the money into rubles. According to the Ria Novosti news agency, to buy gas, buyers must open two accounts, one in foreign currency and one in rubles, with a designated Russian bank, which will then do the conversion.
Scholz: “The delivery will be paid in euros”
According to Putin, Chancellor Olaf Scholz had returned to reiterate that gas is paid for in euros. “In the phone call with Putin, I made it clear that this will remain the case,” said Scholz. “Companies will be able to pay, will want to pay and will pay in euros,” he added.
Draghi hears Scholz: “Together forward with the sanctions”
The Chancellor then telephoned Mario Draghi about sanctions against the Russian Federation and current developments in gas imports from Russia. The two leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining the system of sanctions against Russia, which is proving very effective. Draghi and Scholz agreed that it was important to stick to a uniform approach at European level.
France and Germany “preparing” to cut Russian supplies
However, France and Germany are “preparing” in case Russia should block gas supplies. This was announced by French Economics Minister Bruno Le Maire in a press conference with German Economics Minister Robert Habeck. “There could be a situation where there will be no more Russian gas on Friday under special circumstances. It is up to us to prepare these scenarios and we are preparing,” he specified. The governments of the two countries, he continued, “will coordinate closely and daily to respond to the price surge and energy shock. We are committed to protecting businesses and homes.”
Palazzo Chigi: “Italy will apply lines agreed in the EU”
Italy will apply the lines agreed at European level when making payments for Russian gas, but at the moment there is no final interpretation of the measure announced by Putin. This was announced by Palazzo Chigi, explaining that the European Commission is examining the various interpretative aspects of the Kremlin’s actions and that payments can still be made in euros and rubles at this time.
Black list of antiRussia countries grows
The Russian government has updated the black list of enemy countries: these are all EU countries, plus Australia, Albania, Andorra, Great Britain (including Jersey, Anguilla, British Virgin Islands and Gibraltar), Iceland, Canada, Liechtenstein, Micronesia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Republic of Korea, San Marino, North Macedonia, Singapore, USA, Taiwan (China), Ukraine, Montenegro, Switzerland and Japan.
Gentiloni “We will not let Moscow blackmail us with gas”
Putin’s decree on paying Russian gas in rubles is “a scheme to circumvent sanctions and blackmail Europe, but nothing in the treaties allows it”. That says EU Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni, adding: “It was issued a few hours ago, we’re still looking at the details, but there are two things to say. Firstly, contracts must be respected and if contracts exist, there is no obligation to pay in rubles. Secondly, we will not let Moscow blackmail us.”