Trump Sets No Benchmarks for Putin Summit, Presses for Ceasefire

U.S. President Donald Trump said he has not defined specific benchmarks for judging the success of his forthcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking to reporters on 15 August, Trump remarked that “nothing is set in stone” and conceded, “I don’t know what would make the summit a success.” Trump added that he wants to see a cease-fire agreed during the talks and said he “won’t be happy” if that is not achieved by the end of the day. He also rejected suggestions that European allies are directing the agenda, stating that Europe is “not telling me what to do.” The meeting’s timing and venue were not disclosed in his comments.