G7 agrees to refuse payment in ruble-Mr. Putin’s request for Russian gas-Bloomberg

Energy ministers from the seven major countries (G7) have agreed to reject President Putin’s request for ruble-denominated payments over a contract to purchase natural gas from Russia.

Germany’s economic minister, Robert Habeck, told reporters in Berlin after a meeting with European Union officials on the 28th that Russia’s request was “one-sided and obvious breach of contract.” “Payments in the ruble are unacceptable and we urge the companies involved not to comply with Mr Putin’s request,” he said.

“It’s clear that Mr Putin is trying to create a crack between us, but we won’t split. The G7’s answer is clear. The contract will be adhered to.”

Original title:G-7 Rejects Putin’s Demand for Ruble Payments for Russian Gas(excerpt)