Germany, France and Britain respond to Putin's decision not to sell gas in dollars and euros
The German and French economy ministers said Thursday that they are bound by existing agreements with Russia on making payments for Russian gas supplies only in euros.
"Contracts are in euros and must be paid in euros," French Economy and Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said during a joint press conference with his German counterpart Robert Habeck.
"We will not accept a method of payment for (Russian) gas in any currency other than what is stipulated in the contract," Le Maire added.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that according to the newly signed decree on natural gas trade with "unfriendly countries", companies will need to have accounts in Russian banks and pay contracts in rubles.
In a separate press conference Thursday, Habeck said Germany was "prepared" for all scenarios, including stopping the flow of Russian gas to Europe, while Le Maire said France was "preparing" in the event Russia halted gas shipments.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz insisted on Thursday that Berlin would pay for Russian gas only in euros.
"We have considered contracts for gas deliveries and other deliveries," Schulz said in Berlin during a joint press conference with his Austrian counterpart Karl Nahammer.
(The contracts state that the payments will be made in Euros, sometimes in US Dollars, but mostly in Euros.
I made it clear in my conversation with the Russian president that this will remain the same."
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