Washington, Oct. 20 -- US President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) hinted at an impending breakthrough in efforts to secure the release of an American hostage held in Russia, defending his ongoing diplomatic negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin on multiple issues, including Ukraine, Iran, energy pipelines and hostages.

Speaking to reporters outside the White House before departing for Kansas, Trump said diplomatic engagement with Moscow remained necessary to advance negotiations and secure agreements on several fronts.

"Well, you'll see soon enough, because I'm trying to get a hostage that the country's been after for a long time, and before my time," Trump said when asked what guarantees Putin has given that he wants...