GREER: U.S. trade deficit fell 20% YoY.

On Sept. 3 at the 11th Eastern Economic Forum, President Putin said Russia and Ukraine remain in contact, mainly via intelligence channels, but recent statements from Kyiv make it difficult to judge whether those contacts can lead to a peaceful settlement. He said negotiations should be held directly between Russia and Ukraine, with other countries only providing assistance, and added there remains an opportunity to resolve the conflict, thanking states working to advance the process.

U.S. Vice President Vance said he has not accepted any other position.