Why are EU energy firms agreeing to pay for Russia’s gas in roubles?
by Rob Davies and Larry Elliott from on (#5YNJ9)
Germany, Hungary and others are devising ways they can use roubles to pay Gazprom and not be in breach of sanctions
Energy companies in Germany and Hungary have confirmed they intend to comply with Vladimir Putin's demand that buyers of Russian gas pay in roubles. But the EU has said there is a risk the companies would be in breach of sanctions prohibiting transactions with Russia's central bank. The stakes are high because the Kremlin has already switched off supplies to Poland and Bulgaria.
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