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Moscow, Russia

RUDN University (Peoples' Friendship University of Russia)

A QS top-350 university in Moscow, founded in 1960 to educate international students and today home to students from over 150 countries. English-medium General Medicine through its Medical Institute, listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, and one of the most popular Russian universities with Indian students.

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Russia

Country

Moscow

City

6 Years

Course duration

English

Medium of instruction

Introduction

RUDN University (Peoples' Friendship University of Russia)

RUDN University, the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, is one of Russia's most internationally recognised universities and a leading choice for Indian students. Founded in Moscow in 1960 specifically to educate students from around the world, it has always been Russia's most international university, today teaching students from over 150 countries. It is a large multidisciplinary university, and its Medical Institute offers an English-medium General Medicine programme (a six-year Specialist/MD degree, the MBBS-equivalent) for international students, with clinical training in Moscow's hospitals. RUDN is ranked around #300 in the QS World University Rankings, higher than most other Russian medical schools, and is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and recognised by ECFMG and WFME. For Indian students it combines a genuinely strong global ranking, deep experience with international students, and a reportedly higher FMGE pass rate than many Russian peers, with the honest trade-offs that it is a premium option compared with Kazakhstan and that current Russia-related payment and travel logistics need careful planning.

  • Study program:MBBS — General Medicine (6-year Specialist / MD, 'Physician'), English-medium, at the RUDN Medical Institute
  • Language:English (students also learn Russian, which is needed for the clinical/ward years with local patients)
  • Duration:6 Years (integrated Specialist degree); confirm the internship arrangement for NMC FMGL-2021
  • University type:Public multidisciplinary university under the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education (with a Medical Institute)
  • Tuition fees:About US$7,800–11,000/year (roughly ₹6.6–9.2 lakh/year); roughly ₹50–70 lakh all-in over the course, approx.
  • Entrance examination:No UCAT/IELTS; admission based on Class 12 marks and university assessment, with a qualifying NEET-UG score required for Indian students
  • Application deadline:Main intake in the autumn (around September) each year
  • Recognition:QS top-350; listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools; ECFMG/WFME-recognised; NMC/FMGE pathway for India (see below)
Red Square in Moscow with the Kremlin's Spasskaya Tower and St Basil's Cathedral in winter
St Basil's Cathedral on Red Square, Moscow, under a summer sky
The Zhivopisny cable-stayed bridge over the Moskva River in Moscow

Red Square in Moscow with the Kremlin's Spasskaya Tower and St Basil's Cathedral in winter

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Recognition & Prestige

Rankings & Recognition

RUDN is one of the best-ranked universities among the Russian MBBS options: it sits around #300 in the QS World University Rankings, higher than most Russian medical schools, and is the most international university in Russia. It is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and recognised by ECFMG and WFME. Its global ranking, international-student focus and relatively strong FMGE outcomes are its core strengths.

  • QS ~#300

    Around #316 in the QS World University Rankings 2025

  • 150+ Countries

    Russia's most international university

  • WDOMS

    Listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools

  • ECFMG / WFME

    Recognised by ECFMG and the World Federation for Medical Education

RUDN University is a QS top-350 university in Moscow, the most international university in Russia, a federal multidisciplinary university under the Ministry of Science and Higher Education with its own Medical Institute, listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and recognised by ECFMG and WFME. Indian students can qualify to practise in India through the National Medical Commission screening/exit examination, subject to meeting the NMC's conditions — the NMC does not approve individual foreign universities.

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Success stories

Student Success Stories

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Academic Excellence

Why Study MBBS at RUDN University

RUDN is arguably the strongest all-round Russian option: a genuinely QS-ranked, deeply international university with a relatively good FMGE record. These are its real strengths, with the honest trade-offs.

A QS Top-350 University

RUDN is ranked around #300 in the QS World University Rankings, higher than most Russian medical schools, so it is a genuinely globally ranked institution.

Built for International Students

Founded in 1960 to educate students from around the world, RUDN is Russia's most international university, with students from over 150 countries and long-established support systems for international students.

English-Medium General Medicine

The Medical Institute's six-year General Medicine programme for international students is taught in English, with Russian learned alongside for the clinical years.

A Relatively Strong FMGE Record

RUDN reports one of the higher FMGE pass rates among Russian universities (around 45% in 2024), which matters for Indian students who must clear that exam to practise in India.

Ranked and Recognised

It is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and recognised by ECFMG and WFME, supporting licensing pathways in India, the USA and elsewhere.

More Affordable Than Sechenov

Tuition of about US$7,800–11,000 per year makes RUDN a more affordable top-Moscow option than Sechenov, though still a premium choice compared with Kazakhstan.

Plan Honestly

Be realistic: the all-in cost is roughly ₹50–70 lakh over six years, RUDN is a large multidisciplinary university (medicine is one Institute), Moscow winters are cold, current Russia-related payment and travel logistics need planning, and you must still clear the FMGE/NExT to practise in India.

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How to Apply

Admission Process for MBBS

Admission to RUDN for Indian students is NEET-based. The university admits international applicants on the basis of Class 12 marks and a university assessment, with a qualifying NEET-UG score required for Indian students, and without a UCAT-style entrance exam or IELTS. Apply through the university's admission office or a legitimate, verified route, and confirm the current, legitimate fee-payment method given the sanctions environment.

Admission Timeline

  1. 1
    Class 12 & NEETQualify Class 12 and NEET-UG

    Applicants must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English, and must have a qualifying NEET-UG score, which is required for Indian applicants and for later Indian licensing.

  2. 2
    Confirm the Track & CostsCheck the Programme, Fees and Payment Route

    Confirm the English-medium General Medicine programme at the Medical Institute, the full six-year cost, and the exact, legitimate fee-payment route the university currently accepts, and get the degree/internship structure in writing for NMC FMGL-2021.

  3. 3
    ApplySubmit the Application to RUDN

    Apply to RUDN's admission office (directly or through a legitimate, verified representative) with academic documents and passport; verify any agent's legitimacy and pay only through official channels.

  4. 4
    Offer & Eligibility CertificateAdmission Letter and NMC Certificate

    Eligible students receive an admission/invitation letter, and Indian students obtain the NMC Eligibility Certificate now expected before starting an MBBS abroad.

  5. 5
    Visa, Payment & TravelVisa, Fee Payment and Travel

    Students apply for the Russian student visa, pay tuition via the university's current legitimate route, and confirm flight options and travel advisories before departure.

  6. 6
    AutumnEnrolment

    Students enrol at the start of the academic year and complete arrival formalities and a medical check in Moscow.

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Qualification

Applicants must have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English. The general requirement is a minimum of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry and Biology taken together (with the standard relaxation to 40% for SC/ST/OBC and other reserved categories), in line with the National Medical Commission's eligibility norms for studying MBBS abroad.

Subjects:

Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English at Class 12 (minimum 50% in PCB; 40% for reserved categories)

Age Requirement

Applicants must have completed, or will complete, 17 years of age on or before 31 December of the year of admission, in line with the National Medical Commission's rules for MBBS.

  • NEET-UG qualification is mandatoryRequired for Indian applicants and by the NMC for later FMGE/NExT and Indian practice

Requirements

Indian applicants need Class 12 with PCB, a qualifying NEET-UG score and NEET certificate, an NMC Eligibility Certificate, a valid passport and the supporting documents. No IELTS is required for admission to the English-medium track.

  • NEET Qualification

    A qualifying NEET-UG score is required for Indian applicants, along with Class 12 marks meeting the minimum PCB percentage.

  • Confirm Fees, Payment & Track

    Confirm the full six-year cost, the current legitimate payment route, and that the programme and internship meet NMC FMGL-2021 conditions, in writing.

Admissions Test

There is no UCAT-style entrance exam and no IELTS requirement for the English track; RUDN admits international applicants on Class 12 marks and its own assessment, plus the NEET requirement for Indian students.

ComponentRequirement
Application routeRUDN admission office (directly or via a legitimate, verified representative); confirm the current legitimate payment route
Admissions assessmentBased on Class 12 marks and university assessment; no UCAT/IELTS entrance exam
Academic requirementClass 12 with PCB and English; minimum 50% in PCB (40% for reserved categories)
IntakeAutumn (around September) each year
India-side requirementNEET-UG qualification and NMC Eligibility Certificate, for later FMGE/NExT licensing in India

Required Documents

Indian applicants typically provide the following documents for admission and the student visa:

  • Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets and certificates
  • NEET-UG scorecard/certificate and NMC Eligibility Certificate
  • Valid passport (with sufficient validity)
  • Passport-size photographs and a birth certificate
  • Admission/invitation letter, medical fitness certificate (incl. HIV test) and visa documents; documents may need attestation/apostille
  • + More

Admission Guidance & Document Checklist

Get the complete document checklist or admission guidance from our experts.

Program Structure

MBBS Course Structure at RUDN University

RUDN's Medical Institute offers a six-year integrated Specialist degree in General Medicine, taught in English for international students, moving from basic sciences to clinical study in Moscow's hospitals. The exact structure and internship arrangement matter for Indian licensing and should be confirmed in writing.

MBBS (General Medicine / Specialist) Course

  • Total Duration:

    6 Years (integrated Specialist / MD degree in General Medicine)

  • Degree:

    Specialist Diploma in General Medicine ('Physician') — the MBBS-equivalent Russian medical qualification

Course Phases at RUDN University

  • Years 1–2

    Basic Medical Sciences

    The pre-clinical foundation years, taught in English, covering the core basic medical sciences with laboratory and early clinical-skills work, and Russian language alongside for the clinical years:

    AnatomyPhysiologyBiochemistryHistology
    MicrobiologyMedical humanities
  • Years 3–4

    Para-clinical & Clinical Subjects

    The para-clinical and early clinical years, introducing disease mechanisms and clinical subjects with training in Moscow's hospitals:

    PathologyPharmacologyForensic MedicineInternal Medicine
    Surgery
  • Year 5

    Senior Clinical Subjects

    Senior clinical study across the major specialties, with increasing hands-on hospital training under supervision:

    Obstetrics & GynaecologyPaediatricsPsychiatryCommunity Medicine
    Surgical and medical specialties
  • Year 6

    Clinical Practice & Graduation

    The final clinical year and graduation as a 'Physician'; for FMGL-2021 students must confirm how the internship/clinical-practice requirement is met at the same institution and that the degree entitles practice in Russia.

    Advanced clinical rotationsFinal state examinations

Clinical Training & Internship

Clinical training takes place in RUDN's affiliated clinical hospitals in Moscow. For Indian students, a further internship in India is required for Indian registration (see the FMGE & NExT section). An indicative pattern is:

PhaseFocus
Years 3–5Clinical training in Internal Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Psychiatry and the specialties in Moscow's hospitals
Year 6Advanced clinical practice and the final state examinations (confirm how the FMGL-2021 internship requirement is met)
Back in IndiaIndian graduates clear the FMGE/NExT and complete the required internship in India before registering with the NMC or a State Medical Council

Get the full curriculum

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Legacy

Alumni and Heritage of RUDN University

As a university built to educate the world, RUDN has an unusually international alumni network, including heads of state, ministers and scientists from many countries.

A Global Alumni Network

Because RUDN was founded in 1960 to educate students from around the world, its alumni include presidents, ministers, diplomats, scientists and doctors across Asia, Africa and Latin America, an unusually international network for any university.

Mohammad Sami

Among its Indian alumni is Mohammad Sami, a theoretical physicist and cosmologist known for his work on dark energy, illustrating the university's international research reach (note: a science, not medicine, alumnus).

Faculty

Teaching in the Medical Institute is delivered by the university's departments and affiliated clinical hospitals in Moscow, with modern research and simulation facilities, within a highly international campus. The university is led by its Rector, Oleg A. Yastrebov.

Academic Expertise

  • A QS top-350 university since 1960

  • Russia's most international university (150+ countries)

  • English-medium teaching for international students

  • Clinical training in Moscow's hospitals

Student Support & Mentorship

  • Decades of experience supporting international students

  • A large, established Indian student community

  • Hostel and arrival assistance

  • Guidance for Indian students on FMGE/NExT

About University

History Information

The main building of RUDN University in Moscow with the globe monument and Russian and English signage

The main building of RUDN University in Moscow with the globe monument and Russian and English signage

Founded in 1960

RUDN University was founded in Moscow in 1960 to give young people from Asia, Africa and Latin America access to higher education, making it international from the very start. Within a year it was named after Patrice Lumumba, the Congolese independence leader.

The Peoples' Friendship University

Known for decades as the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, it built a worldwide reputation for educating international students, and in March 2023 the name of Patrice Lumumba was formally returned to the university's title.

A Multidisciplinary University with a Medical Institute

RUDN grew into a large multidisciplinary university, and its Medical Institute became one of the most popular destinations in Russia for international medical students, including a large community from India.

A Globally Ranked University Today

Today RUDN is ranked around #300 in the QS World University Rankings, teaches students from over 150 countries, is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, and continues its founding mission of educating the world in Moscow.

Get all information about RUDN University in our free brochure

Read on to find out how you can fulfil your dream of studying MBBS at RUDN University.

Role in medicine

Role in medical education

The 'RUDN university' letter sculpture on the RUDN campus in Moscow

The 'RUDN university' letter sculpture on the RUDN campus in Moscow

A Global Medical Educator

Through its Medical Institute, RUDN has educated doctors from around the world for decades, a national and international centre of medical education within one of Russia's most international universities.

Training International Doctors

The Medical Institute teaches a large community of international students, including many from India, in English, and prepares them for licensing examinations and medical careers in their home countries.

Ranked, Recognised and Experienced

With a QS top-350 ranking, WDOMS listing and decades of experience with international students, RUDN combines a strong global profile with deep familiarity in supporting overseas medical students in Moscow.

Get all information about RUDN University in our free brochure

Read on to find out how you can fulfil your dream of studying MBBS at RUDN University.

Cost of living

Living Cost in Moscow

Moscow is a large capital city, so living costs are higher than in smaller Russian or Kazakh cities, and students must budget for cold winters. Here is an approximate monthly breakdown for a student (this is separate from tuition).

Monthly Living Cost

Cost ComponentApproximate Amount (per month)
Accommodation (hostel)₹8,400 – ₹18,500 (US$100 – US$220)
Food & Groceries₹12,600 – ₹21,000 (US$150 – US$250)
Transport & Personal₹3,400 – ₹6,700 (US$40 – US$80)
Heavy Winter Clothing & Utilities₹4,200 – ₹8,400 (US$50 – US$100)
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Average monthly living cost (excluding tuition)

₹28,500 – ₹54,500 (US$340 – US$650)

Housing

Accommodation

RUDN University has a large campus with its own student hostels in Moscow, popular with international students, and there are also private rental options, with heated buildings essential for the cold winters.

Campus Hostels

RUDN has a large campus with its own student hostels in Moscow, giving new arrivals a secure, supervised and heated place to live within an international student community, at a range of prices by room type.

Furnished, Heated Rooms

Hostel rooms are furnished and centrally heated, essential in Moscow's cold winters, usually on a shared basis within a supported student environment.

A Very International Campus

RUDN's campus houses students from over 150 countries, so international students, including Indians, join an established multicultural community.

Large Indian Student Community

RUDN has a large Indian student community, so support and familiarity are strong for new arrivals.

Indian Food & Messes

Indian messes and restaurants in Moscow and around the campus cater to the large Indian community, and Indian grocery items are available, so Indian and vegetarian food is accessible.

Private Apartments

Students who prefer more independence can rent private apartments or shared flats, though this is more expensive than the campus hostels.

A Self-Contained Campus

RUDN's campus has hostels, teaching buildings, sports and services together, which is convenient for new international students.

Arrival Support

The university's long experience with international students means well-organised help with arrival formalities and settling into accommodation.

Need accommodation details?

Get a full overview of housing options with our university guide, or reach out to an expert.

Food & Dining

Indian and Vegetarian Food in Moscow

Moscow and RUDN's international campus have a large Indian student community and a cosmopolitan food scene, so Indian and vegetarian food is available, alongside Russian and international cuisine.

RUDN's international campus and Indian messes, plus hostel kitchens, mean Indian food, including vegetarian meals, is accessible for Indian students.

Location

How to Reach RUDN University

Address

RUDN University, Miklukho-Maklaya Street 6, Moscow 117198, Russia (confirm the exact campus/Medical Institute address on eng.rudn.ru)

  • Nearest Airport

    Moscow's international airports (Sheremetyevo SVO, Domodedovo DME, Vnukovo VKO). Direct India–Moscow flights have historically operated, but connectivity has been affected by the current sanctions environment, so confirm current direct or one-stop routes at the time of travel. Moscow is 2.5 hours behind Indian time

  • Local Transport

    Moscow has an extensive metro, buses and taxis and excellent public transport, and RUDN sits in the south-west of the city, so students can travel around Moscow and to the clinical hospitals easily, though the cold winter makes heated indoor transport important

Your Roadmap to Success

Career Pathways After MBBS at RUDN University

The Specialist (Physician / General Medicine) degree from RUDN University is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and recognised by ECFMG and WFME, opening licensing pathways in India, the United States and other countries.

Understand the Medical Licensing Pathway

A clear overview of the exams and requirements after graduation.

Practising in India

FMGE & NExT Details

An Indian graduate of RUDN University who wants to practise in India follows the licensing pathway set by the National Medical Commission (NMC): qualifying NEET before starting, completing a course and internship that meet the NMC's conditions, clearing the NMC screening examination (currently the FMGE, transitioning to the NExT), completing the required internship in India and registering with the medical council. The NMC does not 'approve' individual foreign universities; it sets conditions, and the Russian Specialist-degree structure should be checked against them.

  1. Step 1

    NEET Before You Start

    An Indian student must have qualified NEET-UG before beginning the course abroad to be eligible later for Indian licensing. A qualifying NEET score is required for admission, and an NMC Eligibility Certificate is now expected before starting.

  2. Step 2

    Meet the FMGL 2021 Conditions (confirm the structure)

    The Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations 2021 require the course and internship to meet the NMC's minimum duration (about 54 months of study plus a 12-month internship), completed in the SAME institution, taught in English, with a degree that entitles the holder to practise in Russia. Because RUDN awards a six-year integrated Specialist degree, students must confirm in writing how the internship requirement is met and that the medium is English throughout.

  3. Step 3

    Clear the FMGE / NExT and Register

    Graduates must clear the qualifying examination for foreign medical graduates, currently the FMGE, which India is replacing with the National Exit Test (NExT), then complete the required internship in India and register with the National Medical Commission or a State Medical Council. RUDN reports one of the higher FMGE pass rates among Russian universities, but students must still prepare seriously.

Student Life Style

Student life at RUDN University

Being a medical student at RUDN is a mix of demanding study on a highly international campus and life in Moscow, a major world capital, with the adjustment of cold winters.

A snowy Russian winter riverscape with pine forest

A snowy Russian winter riverscape with pine forest

Academics

The programme is a demanding medical course taught in English at a QS top-350 university, with basic sciences in the early years and clinical training in Moscow's hospitals later on. The international environment is a genuine strength, and students must work hard, especially towards the FMGE/NExT for India.

The Winter Palace, home of the State Hermitage Museum, in St Petersburg, Russia

The Winter Palace, home of the State Hermitage Museum, in St Petersburg, Russia

Life in Moscow

Moscow is a major world capital with rich culture, landmarks such as Red Square and the Kremlin, and an excellent metro. Its main challenge is the climate: winters are cold, with sub-zero temperatures and snow for months, so students must prepare for the cold. Moscow is 2.5 hours behind Indian time.

Challenges and Growth

Adjusting to a major foreign capital, cold winters and a demanding course takes effort, and students should learn Russian for the wards, but RUDN's very international campus and long experience with overseas students make it easier to settle in.

Social Life

With students from over 150 countries, RUDN has a vibrant, multicultural social life, with festivals, sports and cultural events alongside a large Indian and international community, so students can build a strong community in Moscow.

Overall Experience

Studying MBBS at RUDN is about gaining a recognised, English-medium medical degree from a QS top-350, deeply international university in a major world capital, provided you can meet the cost, plan the Russia-related logistics, prepare for cold winters and clear the FMGE/NExT for India.

Fees & Financial

Fees & Financial Planning

RUDN is a mid-premium option, more affordable than Sechenov but well above Kazakhstan, so realistic financial planning across the whole six-year course, plus the current Russia-related payment logistics, matters.

International students pay tuition of about US$7,800–11,000 per year (roughly ₹6.6–9.2 lakh), and with hostel, insurance and Moscow living costs the realistic all-in is roughly ₹50–70 lakh across the six-year course — more affordable than Sechenov but far more than Kazakhstan, so budget and funding must be planned carefully.

  • About US$7,800–11,000/year tuition (roughly ₹6.6–9.2 lakh)
  • Hostel from a few hundred up to about US$2,000/year (up to roughly ₹1.7 lakh)
  • Moscow living costs of about ₹28,500–54,500 per month
  • Roughly ₹50–70 lakh all-in across the six years, approx.
  • Confirm the current legitimate payment route before paying anything

Ratings

Reviews & Ratings

Hear from students and alumni about their experience at RUDN University.

4.4

175 reviews

Academics4.4
Global Ranking4.6
International Campus4.6
Indian Community4.4
Value for Money3.8
  • Genuinely ranked and very international

    Student — MBBS 2022

    RUDN is actually QS top-350, which is rare for MBBS abroad, and the campus is incredibly international, so it's easy to fit in. It's English-medium and popular with Indian students.

  • Good ranking and FMGE record

    Student — MBBS 2021

    The ranking is real and the FMGE pass rate here is better than a lot of Russian universities. Just plan the fees and the current payment/flight logistics, and be ready for cold winters.

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Compare Colleges

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Quick Comparison:

RUDN University vs AIIMS New Delhi

University
RUDN UniversityMoscow, Russia
AIIMS New DelhiNew Delhi, India
University TypePublic multidisciplinary university with a Medical Institute (Russian govt)Government institute of national importance
MediumEnglish (Russian needed for clinical years)English
Course Duration6 years (integrated Specialist / MD)5.5 years including internship (MBBS)
Tuition (per year)~US$7,800–11,000 (~₹6.6–9.2 lakh); ~₹50–70 lakh all-inNominal (a few thousand rupees per year)
AdmissionNEET-qualified + Class 12 (PCB) + university assessmentNEET-UG (extremely high rank)
RecognitionQS top-350; WDOMS-listed; ECFMG/WFME; NMC via FMGE/NExTNMC-recognised
World RankingAround #300 in the QS World University RankingsIndia's top-ranked medical institute (NIRF #1)

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Our blog

Medical Education Insights

Articles that turn complex MBBS-abroad rules into simple, practical steps for students and parents.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Short answers to the questions students and parents ask most often about studying MBBS at RUDN University.

Campus photographs supplied by the client — only three images actually show RUDN University (the main plaza with the Russian and English signage, the main building with the globe monument, and the 'RUDN university' letter sculpture). City and scenery images courtesy of Unsplash: Red Square with the Kremlin and St Basil's Cathedral, and the Zhivopisny Bridge over the Moskva River (all in Moscow) — photos by contributors including Michael Parulava, Nikolay Vorobyev, Nikita Karimov and 'dotzero'; a Russian winter riverscape — photo by Vladimir Fedotov; and the Winter Palace / State Hermitage, which is in St Petersburg and is used only as national context — photo by Victor Malyushev.