Live updates: Kremlin decree allows foreign currency for gas

A Kremlin decree says 'unfriendly countries' can continue to pay for natural gas in foreign currency through a Russian bank that will convert the money into rubles.

ROME -- A Kremlin decree says "unfriendly countries" can continue to pay for natural gas in foreign currency through a Russian bank that will convert the money into rubles.

The decree published Thursday by state media came a day after the leaders of Italy and Germany said they received assurances from President Vladimir Putin.

Putin talked tougher, saying Russia will start accepting ruble payments starting Friday for Western countries that imposed sanctions over its conflict with Ukraine. He said contracts will be stopped if buyers don't sign up to the new conditions, including opening ruble accounts in Russian banks.

European leaders had rejected paying for deliveries in rubles, saying it would undermine sanctions imposed because of the war in Ukraine.