Russia: Vladimir Putin demands 'unfriendly' countries pay for Russian gas in roubles

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered that payment for Russia's natural gas should be undertaken in Russian rubles, a measure that will affect so-called "unfriendly" countries.

"A number of Western countries have taken illegitimate decisions on the so-called freezing of Russian assets," Putin said on Wednesday.

"This collective West has actually drawn a line under the reliability of its currencies, we have already spoken about this, it crossed out the trust in these currencies," he added.

He said that Russia will continue "to supply natural gas in accordance with the volumes and prices, according to the pricing principles fixed in the contracts concluded earlier".

"Unlike some colleagues, we value our business reputation as a reliable partner and supplier," he added.

Putin also instructed the Bank of Russia to determine the procedure for such transactions and of purchasing Russian rubles in Russia's domestic foreign exchange market within a week.

The statement came as Putin met top government officials to discuss measures to support Russia's economy.

Putin also claimed that "the withdrawal or possible withdrawal of some foreign producers" from Russia would create "unique opportunities for domestic producers".

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