By a decree signed by Putin, the deadline for the decision determining the special payment process applied to foreign companies purchasing Russian gas has been extended until July 1st. Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended permission for buyer companies to make payments for Russian gas exports to banks other than Gazprombank. Consequently, companies will continue to have permission to use banks other than Gazprombank for their payments for Russian gas. Russia had put into effect a decree on April 1st, 2022, requiring unfriendly countries to open foreign exchange and ruble accounts at Gazprombank and make payments in rubles. Gazprombank, a partner of the Russian energy company Gazprom, was used for payments made for natural gas exports to Europe. The US administration began imposing sanctions on Gazprombank starting on November 21, 2024, in order to prevent Russia from using the international financial system. Putin had also approved a decree in December 2024 allowing payments to be made through other banks.