Before you go, make really sure ....

[rambler]

I want to start a topic of one line tips from guys who have been to the FUS to guys that haven't, along the lines of: 

she really speaks English and she wrote those letters

you see a profile shot and check out her nose ain't more like a ski jump for midgets

you know how to tell a photograph has been photoshopped or not  (it has!)

she did not arrange an apartment, interpreter and driver for you, sooooo helpful!

you never pick up anything of value dropped in the street or airport  in front of you, it's a shakedown

you choose the restaurant and if it sells portions by weight, leave


R

[SFandEE]

Some good points.

Very good to have someone with whom you can speak directly.  If you need them be sure to hire your own interpreter and driver.
    
I would also suggest do your best to learn some Russian.  Things will not always go well, but that doesn't mean that they will go badly.

I have liked renting apartments, but someone pointed out that an unhappy business partner/boyfriend/husband came straight to his apartment for collection of funds and resolution of issues.  There are upsides to hotel security when meeting people for the first time.

If you meet someone you really like don't leave before securing good ways to communicate and also local services that are reliable and trustworthy (gifts, legal services, flowers, travel).  I believe it is really important to get the business of international dating away from the introduction services.

Trust your instincts and have a lot of fun!  

[Daveman]

Have a back up plan... it can be as simple or complex as you are comfortable doing, but have an idea and a method for what you will do in case the meeting doesn't go like you wish and you find yourself alone.

Learn to read Cyrillic .. even a few simple and words and phrases can help a lot..  many words are actually English written in Cyrillic.

[Shadow]

Use the internet for information on her city and surroundings. Find some places you are interested to see, do not leave the planning fully to her.

[Markus]

Add, men make this process more difficult than is necessary.