OREANDA-NEWS. Press Secretary of Russian President Vladimir Putin Dmitry Peskov commented on the instruction of the head of state to convert payments for gas supplies to Europe into rubles.

During the briefing, journalists asked Peskov if it was possible that after such a decision, the West would want to terminate gas contracts with the Russian Federation.

“The President yesterday instructed to work out a mechanism within a week so that this payment could be made in rubles. As contacts are made with gas buyers, and the conditions are explained to them, they will be able to indicate their position, let's wait for this, ”the Kremlin spokesman said.

On March 23, Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a meeting with the Cabinet of Ministers, announced that the sale of natural gas and other exports from Russia to European countries and the United States would soon be converted into rubles. At the same time, the head of state stressed that Russia would continue to supply natural gas in accordance with the volumes and prices that were fixed in previously concluded contracts.

To implement his order, Putin turned to the Bank of Russia and the government, asking them to determine the procedure for financial transactions with Europe in rubles within one week. Putin also instructed to give Gazprom a directive on the speedy transfer of all contracts for gas supplies in rubles.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic called Russia's decision to convert payments for gas into rubles a problem for the world.