EU decry Gazprom gas block of Poland and Bulgaria over refusal to pay in Russia rubles

Ursula von der Leyen has slammed Gazprom’s decision to halt gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria after the countries refused to pay in rubles as per Russia’s demands as “unjustified and unacceptable”.

The European Commission President added that the EU will coordinate a retaliation to what it considers an attempt by Moscow to “blackmail us with gas” as European prices shot up 24% after Gazprom announced their block.

Meanwhile Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has confirmed his country, which depends on Russia for 80% of its gas, will pay in rubles.