"With regard to the threat, demand or consideration - one doesn't know what to call it anymore - to be made to pay in rubles, it is crucial for us that the contracts are respected," said Habeck. "It is important for us not to give a signal that we will be blackmailed by Putin."
German Economy Minister Robert Habeck on Thursday rejected demands by Russia that European countries pay for its gas in roubles as an unacceptable breach of contract, adding that the manoeuvre amounted to “blackmail,” Reuters reports.
Speaking during a joint news conference with his French counterpart, Habeck said he had not yet seen a new decree signed by President Vladimir Putin mandating gas payments in roubles.
“With regard to the threat, demand or consideration – one doesn’t know what to call it anymore – to be made to pay in rubles, it is crucial for us that the contracts are respected,” said Habeck. “It is important for us not to give a signal that we will be blackmailed by Putin.”
Separately, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said German companies would continue to pay for Russian gas using euros as stipulated in contracts.
© Copyright LaPresse