MOSCOW, March 30 Russian President Vladimir Putin gave Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi an explanation in in connection with the decision to switch to rubles in payments for gas supplies, the Kremlin press service reports. Putin said on March 23 that Russia was converting payments for gas supplies to unfriendly countries into rubles, that it makes no sense to supply Russian goods to the EU and the US and receive payment in their currency. Putin instructed the Central Bank and the Cabinet of Ministers to determine the procedure for transactions with Europe in rubles within a week. At the same time, he said that Russia will continue to supply gas in volumes and at prices fixed in earlier contracts, as the country values its reputation. >Hard scenario: what will Europe's refusal to pay for gas in rubles lead to
