Austrian chancellor says Putin told him gas payments in euros can continue

VIENNA

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer on Thursday said that Russian President Vladimir Putin told him earlier this week that Austria’s supply of gas can continue to be paid for in euros.

"He [Putin] explained to me that the natural gas supply was secured, that Russia would deliver the amounts agreed in the contract, and that payments could continue to be made in euros," Nehammer is quoted as saying by Austrian news agency APA.

He said that some EU countries such as Austria, Hungary, and Bulgaria are highly dependent on Russian natural gas and added that non-delivery of gas would cause "serious harm" to industry and households in Austria.

Nehammer visited the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on April 9 and then to Russia the same day where he met with Putin.

In near future, the Austrian chancellor said, he will exchange views with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan about his meeting with Putin and on peace talks that started in Istanbul.

On criticism of his visit to Russia, the chancellor said that in-person meeting is more effective than phone calls.

Since the beginning of the war between Russia and Ukraine on Feb. 24, EU countries have considered a ban on Russian oil and gas exports. However, Europe’s high dependency on Russian fossil fuels has made the decision difficult for most members of the bloc.

The EU has agreed to ban Russian coal and Lithuania has become the first country to abandon the use of Russian gas.

Australia, Britain, Canada and the US have implemented total prohibitions on purchases of Russian oil. However, the EU is still unable to agree on an embargo, with Germany warning against making any hasty decision that could push the economy into recession.