Trump Says Putin Is Ready to Strike a Deal at Planned Meeting

Former U.S. president Donald Trump said he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to reach an agreement at their planned meeting, adding that Putin is “convinced he’s going to make a deal.” Trump did not detail the substance of the potential accord or specify when or where the talks would take place. Speaking to reporters on 14 Aug., Trump also asserted that Putin “knows I’m the toughest one he’s ever had to deal with,” positioning himself as a firm negotiator ahead of the encounter. The Kremlin has not commented on the remarks, and no formal agenda for the meeting has been released.