Putin said Russia's current monetary policy cannot be characterized as overly tight and economic growth this year may exceed the prior 0.6% forecast. He said attacks on three oil refineries were foiled, repair work is progressing rapidly, and the remaining damaged refining capacity is expected to be restored soon. He said Russia does not intend to nationalize the refining sector and will strengthen air defenses at refineries to secure energy infrastructure. He dismissed reports of freezing Russi

UK August services PMI (final) 52.5; consensus 52.8; July final 52.8.

Putin said on the 3rd at the Eastern Economic Forum plenary that a settlement of the Russia-Ukraine conflict remains possible but will ultimately depend on the parties involved. He said resolution hinges on whether Russia and Ukraine can reach a consensus. He called attacks, hijacking of civilian vessels and threats against civilian aircraft "state terrorism", and said Western allies' silence makes them "accomplices in international terrorist activity", which undermines prospects for peace talks. On Russia-U.S. ties, he said relevant agencies, including intelligence services, remain in contact and he hopes those contacts will yield positive results.