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Good morning from the Financial Times.

Today is Thursday, April 28th, and this is your FT News Briefing.

Russia yesterday launched its biggest economic weapon against Europe.

And of course, steps like this, I think only speed up

the determination of EU countries to reduce their reliance on Russian gas

and we've got the latest on our Kegos and Credit Suisse earnings,

plus Spotify. Is it like Netflix or is it not?

I'm Jess Smith in Fromark, Filipino, and here's the news you need to start your day.

The Ukraine conflict entered a new phase yesterday. Russia's state gas company Gasprom

cut off gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria after they refused to pay in rubles.

Gas prices skyrocketed. The European currency tumbled,

and European leaders accused Moscow of blackmail.

The FT's European diplomatic correspondent Henry Foy explains why Russia chose to target Poland

and Bulgaria, even though other EU countries are also refusing to pay in rubles.

It's a great question. I mean, we don't know exactly for sure why there are other countries

that have said they will continue paying in euros under their existing contracts,

but it looks like Russia has chosen Poland and Bulgaria as weak spots.

Their country is right on the east. They're one of the first countries to get gas as it

transits into Europe. They're looking to divide the EU, I believe, by picking on some countries

and not on others. It's also worth bearing in mind. Poland has been really one of the most

...