Russian President talks by phone with EU leaders about Ukraine, gas payment in rubles
Anh Tu, VOV correspondent in Russia -
(VOVWORLD) - Russian President Vladimir Putin talked by phone on Wednesday with the German Chancellor and the Italian Prime Minister about the situation in Ukraine and gas payment in rubles, according to the Kremlin.
 Russian President Vladimir Putin (Photo: TASS) |
President Putin informed German Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Russia’s decision to demand Russian rubles in gas transactions, from Germany in particular. Putin said the decision should not lead to a deterioration of contractual obligations for European companies that import Russian gas, and there should be a further discussion of payment requirements.
He briefed Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi on the progress of talks between Russia and Ukraine, the latest round being hosted one day earlier in Istanbul. Putin explained why Russia wants Italy and other countries to pay for Russian gas in rubles.
The same issues were addressed in a phone call between President Putin and French President Emanuel Macron on Tuesday.
Anh Tu, VOV correspondent in Russia