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Russia says Ukraine's stance on energy ceasefire unchanged, open to contacts

China

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Russia says Ukraine's stance on energy ceasefire unchanged, open to contacts

2026-09-17 18:08 Last Updated At:19:17

Russia said on Wednesday that Ukraine's position on the so-called "energy ceasefire" has not changed, and Russia remains open to diplomatic engagement.

Speaking in Moscow, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Ukraine's statements often lack concrete actions and real implementation.

"We would like to draw your attention once again to the fact that statements from Ukraine are often not supported by practical moves or real actions. Their whole position has not changed yet. But at the same time, we are not avoiding contacts. Contacts with the Americans is continuing and will continue," said Ryabkov.

The remarks follow claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to halt attacks on each other's energy infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian media reported on the day that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to visit the United States from Sept 21 to 23 to discuss the energy truce proposal with Trump.

Separately, answering media questions at an event in Yekaterinburg on Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia remains ready for a diplomatic settlement, including in the trilateral format that the United States proposed again, though Russia harbors no illusions about the prospects.

Lavrov stressed that the breakdown of previous rounds of talks was not Russia's fault.

He also said Russia will not, and does not intend to, sign any security agreements with the Europeans in areas critical to national security.

Lavrov reiterated President Vladimir Putin's warning that a European attack on Russia would trigger a "completely different war" that would be "very short," expressing hope that Europe has heeded the message. He also said that the appearance of European troops in Ukraine would amount to a direct declaration of war against Russia.

Lavrov also said that the full normalization of bilateral ties is a prerequisite for a comprehensive dialogue with the United States.

Russia says Ukraine's stance on energy ceasefire unchanged, open to contacts

Russia says Ukraine's stance on energy ceasefire unchanged, open to contacts

The Global Financial Centers Index (GFCI) 40 Report released on Wednesday once again fully affirms that Hong Kong remains a strong magnet with great influence and competitiveness as an international financial hub, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Thursday.

Hong Kong maintained the third place globally and continued to hold the top position in the Asia-Pacific region in the GFCI 40 Report released by British think tank Z/Yen Group and the China Development Institute in Shenzhen. The report assessed a total of 117 financial centers around the world.

"With the safeguards of 'one country, two systems', Hong Kong has witnessed remarkable economic growth. Its leading position as an international financial, shipping and trade center has been further reaffirmed. Hong Kong's IPO market in the first half of the year had come in second globally, raising around 203.3 billion Hong Kong dollars," said Guo Jiakun, the spokesman, at a press conference in Beijing.

"The report reaffirms Hong Kong's appeal, influence and competitiveness as an international financial hub. It represents yet another vote of confidence in Hong Kong's unique status and strengths and in the prospects of 'one country, two systems,'" he said.

Hong Kong's influence as international financial hub fully recognized: spokesman

Hong Kong's influence as international financial hub fully recognized: spokesman

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