The U.S. retaliated Thursday against Vladimir Putin's move to force the U.S. to reduce its embassy staff in Russia by 755. Putin had made that move in response to looming U.S. sanctions, since signed by President Trump.

The tit-for-tat began last December, after Barack Obama seized two Russian compounds in the U.S., accusing the Kremlin of using them as spy bases. In the interim, President Trump had been considering returning those Russian compounds, including a beautiful 45-acre estate in Maryland, after Russia warned relations couldn't improve until Trump did so.

Axios went to Maryland in July to look at the summer retreat at the heart of U.S.-Russia relations.

1972

Soviet Union purchases 45-acre estate near the town of Centreville on Maryland's Eastern Shore, to be used as a diplomatic retreat. Another facility, on Long Island in New York, was purchased in 1952.

2016

Oct. 31: Barack Obama warns Putin of "serious consequences" for Russian interference in U.S. election.

Barack Obama warns Putin of "serious consequences" for Russian interference in U.S. election. Nov. 8: Trump elected president.

Trump elected president. Dec. 29: Obama orders the compounds closed, accusing Russia of using them for espionage and expelling 35 suspected Russian spies.

Obama orders the compounds closed, accusing Russia of using them for espionage and expelling 35 suspected Russian spies. Dec. 30: Putin doesn't retaliate immediately, preferring to work with the Trump administration. Michael Flynn had reportedly made assurances that Trump would be more accommodating. Trump tweets: "Great move on delay (by V. Putin) - I always knew he was very smart!"

2017