Putin threatens to stop sending gas to Europe if countries don't pay Russia in rubles

Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened on Thursday to stop sending gas to Europe if countries don't pay in rubles.

If unfriendly countries don't pay in rubles by April 1, we will consider this a default on gas contracts, Putin said after signing a decree on Thursday.

The US, UK, and European Union countries are on the list of unfriendly countries that Russia designated in response to widespread condemnation of its war against Ukraine.

Russia is the largest gas-exporting country in the world, according to the US Energy Information Association. Almost half of its exports go to European countries.

President Joe Biden announced in March that the US would ban Russian energy imports, which include oil and natural gas.

There is a developing story. You can check back for updates.

The translations are by Oleksandr Vynogradov.