* Russia's Putin last night threatened to close down European gas from today if states refuse to pay in roubles
* He said foreign buyers will have to 'open rouble accounts in Russian banks' which can be used to pay for gas
* According to Gazprom, 58 per cent of its sales of natural gas to Europe as of January 27 were settled in euros
* German Economy Minister Robert Habeck today rejected the demand, saying that it amounted to 'blackmail'
* Deadline to accept demands passed at midnight - but it remains to be seen if Putin to follow through his threat
* Spokesperson for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said companies are not planning to buy Russian gas in roubles
* Putin announced on March 23 that 'unfriendly' states would have to pay in roubles in retaliation for sanctions
The energy crisis dramatically intensified last night as Vladimir Putin threatened to turn off Europe's gas supplies as soon as today if countries refuse to pay in roubles.
The Russian President, announcing a decree in televised remarks yesterday, said foreign buyers would have to 'open rouble accounts in Russian banks' which can be used to pay for 'gas delivered starting from tomorrow'.
'If such payments are not made, we will consider this a default on the part of buyers, with all the ensuing consequences.
Nobody sells us anything for free, and we are not going to do charity either - that is, existing contracts will be stopped,' he said.
Read more ....
MIDDLE EAST
Ukraine war having 'deadly' impact on Arab region, says Blinken.
Iraqi cleric steps back, asks rivals to try form government.
Turkey in delicate balancing act with Russia, Ukraine amid economic woes.
Turkey: Prosecutor seeks to move Khashoggi trial to Saudi Arabia.
IS linked attacks in Israel spark fear of new enemy.
Several killed in West Bank clashes after Palestinian attacks in Israel.
Two Palestinians killed in gunfight during Israeli West Bank raid.
ASIA
Sri Lankan police fire tear gas at protesters angered by economic crisis.
Pakistan PM Imran Khan's future in doubt as no-confidence vote looms.
EU leaders urged to be tough on China if it backs Russia in Ukraine.
China reopens northern city of Jilin as Shanghai's COVID lockdown enters second phase.
China to restrict visas of US officials, says foreign ministry.
Chinese Communist party expels former justice minister in latest purge.
Federated States of Micronesia calls on Solomon Islands to reconsider security treaty with China.
Solomon Islands says China deal won’t include military base.
In Afghanistan, ‘people selling babies, young girls to survive’.
UN donor conference falls billions short of $4.4bn target to help Afghanistan.
AFRICA
East Africa faces worst hunger crisis in decades.
Uganda says military kills 309 in security push in mineral-rich region.
UN authorizes new AU mission in Somalia to combat extremists.
Niger to recruit 5,000 soldiers to counter militants.
Tunisian crisis escalates as president dissolves parliament.
Libya's Bashagha says he will enter Tripoli peacefully within days.
Ethiopia fails to block UN funding for human rights investigation.
Military aircraft to escort Nigerian trains.
Kenya's top court blocks President Kenyatta's controversial constitutional reform.
EUROPE
Europe's Russian gas in jeopardy, Ukraine girds for new attacks.
Russia: Gas payments must be made via Russian bank accounts.
Germany says Putin agreed to keep payments for gas in euros.
France, Germany reject Putin demands for gas payments in roubles as 'blackmail'.
Germany's Scholz hosts Austria's Nehammer to talk Ukraine, Russia.
Armenia, Azerbaijan leaders to meet amid recent fighting.
'Unacceptable': Georgia condemns proposed separatist referendum on joining Russia.
Breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia says it has no plans to join Russia.
AMERICAS
Biden announces largest-ever oil reserve release.
Hillary Clinton and Democrats settle Steele dossier electoral case for $113,000.
House set to pass marijuana legalization Friday.
A key US inflation gauge sets 40-year high as gas and food soar.
US introduces gender-neutral 'X' passports.
Former Brazilian judge Sergio Moro ends campaign for president.
Civilians among 11 killed by military in Colombia raid, say human rights groups.
Mexico missing students: Parents angry at military's obstruction.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Ex-hostage recounts ordeal at trial of Islamic State jihadist.
Germany repatriates female IS members and their children.
Belgian man accused of helping terrorist escape Paris denies involvement.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Stocks end lower, ending market’s worst quarter in 2 years.
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Biden oil move aims to cut gas prices ‘fairly significantly’.
Closing prices for crude oil, gold and other commodities.
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