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The gas war between Russia and the West

Natural gas has emerged as a weapon of war between Russia and Europe since Moscow's February 24 invasion of Ukraine. Here is how the stand-off developed.

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RUSSIA'S RIPOSTE On March 23, Russian President Vladimir Putin bans European gas customers from paying their bills in dollars and euros, in response to the freezing of some $300 billion in currency reserves held by Russia overseas. He announces that Moscow will now only accept payment in rubles from "unfriendly" countries, including EU nations. The European Commission warns EU members that by paying in rubles they would be violating international sanctions against Moscow. Washington agrees to provide Europe with an extra 15 billion cubic metres of liquefied natural gas this year.