Kremlin demands roubles for gas, but leaves currency loophole

Russian President Vladimir Putin (Mikhail Klimentyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a decree demanding payment for natural gas in roubles, but appeared to temper the order by allowing dollar and euro payments through a designated bank.

It is the latest twist over energy supplies that Europe relies on to heat homes and generate electricity.