http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_07_25/Russia-to-reach-agreement-on-visa-free-travel-to-EU-in-18-months/ Russia hopes to reach agreement with the European Union on visa-free travel in the next 18 months. This came in a statement by the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. He was speaking at a news conference following today’s talks with his Cypriot counterpart, Erartu Kozakou-Markuli in Moscow. He pointed out that additional moves to ease the visa regime are due to be agreed later this year to include the citizens who have been denied the benefit before. Read More: http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_07_25/Russia-to-reach-agreement-on-visa-free-travel-to-EU-in-18-months/
That will benefit Russian tourism, to be sure. Brazilian tourism in Russia increased by more than 100% following implementation of visa waiver, as did business relationships. the EU needs Russia!