preparation. concerns that putin will steer the ship, that trump may not even broach the subject of russia's cyberattacks on american democracy. >> the united states needs to arrive in hamburg and send a clear message that it will not tolerate direct attacks on u.s. soil against the united states. and also send the message that the united states stands with its allies. it's really important for u.s. credibility that president trump makes all those things clear. >> reporter: at trump's request, the white house has been preparing options of things to offer russia in exchange for cooperation, or a change in russia's behavior, possibly some sanctions relief or the return of russian diplomatic properties in the u.s. seized at the end of the obama administration. russia has repeatedly threatened retaliation if those aren't returned. but in the meantime, today putin met with chinese president xi and talked about the two of them working together on the north korea threat. a dialogue and change in u.s. behavior on the issue.