Russia threatens to stop supplying gas if not paid in roubles - BBC News

Russia has told foreign countries they must start paying for its gas in roubles or it will halt supplies.

Vladimir Putin has signed a decree stating buyers must "must open rouble accounts in Russian banks" from Friday.

"Nobody sells us anything for free, and we are not going to do charity either - that is, existing contracts will be stopped," the Russia president said.

Mr Putin's demand for rouble payments is an attempt to boost the currency, which has been hit by sanctions.