EU payment in roubles for Russian gas 'would violate sanctions regime'

European Commission noted the process would be entirely overseen by Russia, depriving European companies of control of the funds from the moment of payment and introducing unpredictable additional costs

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned Europe it risks having gas supplies cut unless it pays in the Russian currency as he seeks retaliation over Western sanctions for Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Payment for Russian gas in roubles by EU buyers as demanded by President Vladimir Putin would break the EU's sanctions regime against Moscow, an internal European Commission note has said.

President Putin has warned Europe it risks having gas supplies cut unless it pays in the Russian currency as he seeks retaliation over Western sanctions for Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.