Following the escalating tension between Russia and Western countries after the Ukraine war, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement that natural gas would be sold only with the Russian currency, the ruble, aroused the Western world. While the worried countries were quickly evaluating the measures for Putin’s decision, serious messages came from the Kremlin to the West. Russia also made a statement on the course of talks with Ukraine.
Messages from the Kremlin are as follows:
Whether the US likes it or not, Europe eventually has to establish a dialogue with Russia.
We hope that a document will be signed as a result of negotiations with Ukraine.
Special military operations in Ukraine will achieve all its goals.
The West is a refuge for criminals fleeing Russia.
Russia is the country that has suffered the most sanctions in history. The sanctions imposed on Putin show that the West can commit any kind of madness. Sanctions against Russia will accelerate distrust of the dollar and euro.
- (Sales of natural gas in rubles) Russia does not want to complicate the lives of Western gas buyers. Russia does not threaten anyone, but we need to take our precautions against the risks due to the hostile environment. Payment in rubles will be requested for other goods as well.