Russia threatens to stop supplying gas if not paid in roubles

Russia has told foreign countries they must start paying for its gas in roubles or it will halt supplies.

Vladimir Putin has signed a decree stating buyers must "must open rouble accounts in Russian banks" from Friday.

"Nobody sells us anything for free, and we are not going to do charity either - that is, existing contracts will be stopped," the Russia president said.

Putin's demand for rouble payments is an attempt to boost the currency, which has been hit hard by Western sanctions.