Ukraine negotiations to resume, Putin gives Europe gas payment ultimatum

Europe's biggest recipient of Russian gas, Germany, rejects Putin's demand as 'blackmail'.

European buyers of Russian gas faced a deadline to start paying in roubles on Friday, while negotiations aimed at ending the five-week war were set to resume even as Ukraine braced for further attacks in the south and east.

Moscow's invasion of its neighbour has killed thousands, sent millions fleeing and galvanised the United States and allies around the world to impose punishing penalties on Russian government entities, businesses and oligarchs.

Russia will respond to European Union sanctions, the RIA news agency quoted a senior foreign ministry official on Friday. "The actions of the EU will not remain unanswered ... the irresponsible