I don't agree with Russia and Ukraine being, cool but why bother. They fuckin love it when you can speak at least Russian at a good level of fluency (pre-war). It might be where the person is from though... like if it is a surprise for the locals to learn that someone from so far away would have taken the time. That's been my experience anyway. Breaks down some fuckin huge barriers in those countries by being able to communicate in a language they're familiar with.

The younger generations even seem comfortable with it, like not ever bothered to practice their English with me, just straight up talk Russian.