In the conversation, Putin explained the change in the liquidation procedure is introduced because, in violation of international law, the Bank of Russia’s foreign exchange reserves were frozen by the member states of the European Union.

The Russian president stated that the measure should not lead to a deterioration of contractual conditions for European companies that import Russian gas.

According to the Kremlin statement, the European leaders agreed that experts from the two countries would discuss the issue.

Putin and Scholz also exchanged on the latest round of negotiations between representatives of Moscow and Kiev, held in the Turkish city of Istanbul, and on the need to guarantee the safe evacuation of civilians from the confrontation zones in Ukraine, mainly in the city of Mariupol.

Later on Wednesday, the Russian head of state held telephone communication with the Italian Prime Minister, Mario Draghi, to whom he also explained the transition to roubles in payment

for the supply of natural gas to various countries.

“Clarifications were given in connection with the decision to change to roubles the payments for the supply of natural gas to several countries, including Italy,” the Russian presidential note said.

In turn, both dignitaries discussed the results of the consultations held the day before in Istanbul between delegations from Russia and Ukraine to end the bilateral conflict and achieve peace between the parties.

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