By Francois Murphy

VIENNA, Reuters – Russian President Vladimir Putin said to Chancellor Karl Nehammer this week that Austria can continue its supply of natural gas in euros. This was according to the Austrian news agency APA.

Moscow warned Europe that it could have its gas supplies cut if it doesn’t pay in roubles. He is seeking retaliation for Western sanctions against Russia’s invasion and occupation of Ukraine. The Kremlin calls it a “special military operations”.

Nehammer stated that he met with Putin on Monday to discuss the invading Ukraine. The Austrian leader, however, had not made public any mention of Austria’s safety of its gas supply.

Austria receives 80% of its gas from Russia. It opposes an immediate European Union gas embargo against Moscow.

Putin stated “that the gas supply has been secured”, that Russia will deliver the contract-agreed quantities, and that payment can be continued in euros. This was according to Nehammer in APA’s joint interview Wednesday with DPA.

According to the European Commission, those who have contracts that require payment in dollars or euros should follow this advice. Nehammer stated Austria would do so.

Russia seems to be open to continuing payments in euro at the same time.

Moscow had declared two weeks ago that foreign buyers of Russian gaz would need to open accounts in the Gazprombank state bank. This isn’t under the same crippling restrictions as other Russian banks and could be cut off.

European gas buyers could deposit euros in order to let Gazprombank pay roubles. This is a way that Austria says makes continued payments in euros possible.

Nehammer reiterated in Wednesday’s interview that he opposes an embargo. The interview quoted Nehammer as saying “would mean both (Austrians) industry and households would experience serious harm by the nondelivery of that gaz.”