Germany and Italy approved Russian gas payments after nod from Brussels

21/5/2022 6:56

        Germany and Italy told companies they could open rouble accounts to keep buying Russian gas without breaching sanctions against Moscow following
        discussions with the European Union, sources said.
        
        The debate over Russia's demand that foreign buyers pay for gas in roubles has tested the resolve of European governments to take a hard line against Moscow over the war in Ukraine.
        
        Poland, Bulgaria and Finland have refused to comply with Moscow's demand that importers pay for gas via rouble accounts with Gazprombank and their supplies have been cut.
        
        Other member states, however, have been unwilling to steer companies towards action that could result in losing vital supplies of Russian gas that heats homes and powers factories.