The Russian ships, Aframax tanker PEGAS and VF TANKER 2, were detained at Karystos Bay in the Petalioi Gulk in Greece for reportedly violating EU sanctions. PEGAS is understood to have been towed to Karystos after suffering mechanical failure, while VF TANKER 2 was heading to the Black Sea but sailed through Karystos Bay for an unknown reason. This comes after Putin threatened to cut off Europe’s gas supply if “unfriendly countries” did not pay in rubles.
Speaking earlier in April, the Russian President said: “In order to purchase Russian natural gas, they must open ruble accounts in Russian banks.
“It is from these accounts that payments will be made for gas delivered starting from tomorrow (Friday).
“If such payments are not made, we will consider this a default on the part of buyers, with all the ensuing consequences.”
He added: “Nobody sells us anything for free, and we are not going to do charity either – that is, existing contracts will be stopped.”
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