Lisa Haseldine

This deal has been at least eight months in the making

The US special envoy arrived in Russia this morning to meet with Vladimir Putin

There is little indication that Putin has dropped any of the maximalist demands he set out last week

If Russia ignores — or refuses — the proposal, the ball will then be in Trump’s court as to what to do next

‘They have to step up, but they also have to get equipment,’ the president said. ‘They have to spend more money’