G7 Rejects Request By President Vladimir Putin, Deputy Chancellor Of Germany: Unilateral And Clear Violation

German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck. (Wikimedia Commons/Kasa Fue)

JAKARTA - Energy ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) industrialized nations rejected President Vladimir Putin's demands regarding his desire for "unfriendly" countries to pay for Russian gas in rubles, a top German official said after Monday's talks.

"All G7 ministers have agreed that this is a unilateral and clear violation of existing contracts," Habeck, Germany's deputy chancellor and minister of economy and climate protection, told reporters after a virtual conference with G7 energy ministers.

According to him, the ministers once again underlined that the contract made was valid, with the company having to respect it.

"Payments in rubles are unacceptable, and we ask the relevant companies not to comply with Putin's request," he said.

"Putin's efforts to divide us are obvious, but, as you can see from this great unity and determination, we will not be divided," Habeck said.

As reported earlier, President Putin said Russia plans to implement payments in rubles for gas sold to 'unfriendly' countries, in line with sanctions imposed on Russia.

European countries and the United States have imposed tough sanctions on Russia since Moscow sent troops to Ukraine on February 24. However, Europe relies heavily on Russian gas for heating and electricity generation, leaving the EU torn over whether to sanction Russia's energy sector.

President Putin's message is clear: If you want our gas, buy our currency. It remains unclear whether Russia has the power to unilaterally modify the current contract, which is agreed in euros.

"Russia will continue, of course, to supply natural gas according to volumes and prices, staying within the previously agreed contracts," said President Putin.

"The changes will only affect the payment currency, which will be converted into Russian rubles," he said.