President Putin has been accused of blackmailing Europe over supplies of Russian gas.
The Russian President has threatened to cut off gas to “unfriendly countries” unless they pay in the Russian currency, the rouble.
Mr Putin signed a presidential decree ordering buyers to open rouble accounts in Russian banks.
Germany which is one of the main buyers of Russian gas said it would not tolerate any attempt at what it called “political blackmail”.
Mr Putin’s ultimatum is aimed at supporting the rouble which has been hit hard by international sanctions on Russia.
Huw Edwards presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Moscow Editor Steve Rosenberg.
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