Where to Look ?

[ambach123]

Almost everyone here suggests that you must decide on one area to look into, since FSU is very large and you can't cover more than one area at a time.

I have decided on Eastern Ukraine.

Why?

1. There is an infrastructure in Kiev/ Vinnytsya with marriage agencies etc. There is a lot of demand and supply. You can get a lot of professional help as well.

2. Russian economy is doing very well, russian women are no longer interested in moving to America, but Ukraine is not doing so well, and there the women are still interested in moving to USA. I quote from the GQ article.
" The most available Russian women are not in Russia at all, they are in Ukraine".

Of course it causes a problem if almost every AM is looking exclusively into Ukraine and the ladies know that.

3. Russia requires visa for Americans, registeration for visitors etc., the travel is not as easy.

Any comments would be appreciated.

[BillyB]

What I did was write a bunch of ladies for various FSU countries and when I connected great on the phone with with one, I focused on her city/country for backup. It was more expensive to get to Uzbekistan, has visa requirements and has less tourist attractions than Ukraine but my target was to visit a great woman, not visit a country. Once you find a fantastic woman, any hassles or $ you have to go through to be with her is worth it.

I do understand some men are more on a budget than others and Ukraine is more practical. There should be multiple visits to a woman before any proposal so if a man can  only afford one trip to Uzbekistan, he shouldn't look there otherwise he'd have to propose to a person he met within a short time which increases risk of marrying the wrong person.

[WmGO]

I have decided on Eastern Ukraine.

Why?

1. There is an infrastructure in Kiev/ Vinnytsya with marriage agencies etc. There is a lot of demand and supply. You can get a lot of professional help as well.

Any comments would be appreciated.

My only comment is that Vinnitsa is in *Western* Ukraine. I have been there.
It is a nice town. So is Zhitomir.   

[ambach123]

I believe Vinnytsya is about 300 Km southwest of Kiev; a few hours on the train.

[bjoer751]

I'd definitely place both Kiev and Vinnytsya in western Ukraine, not eastern.
http://tinyurl.com/6p9ahd (Google Maps)

[WmGO]

I've always thought of Kiev as being north central Ukraine.
Anything west of Kiev I refer to as Western Ukraine, anything
east of Kiev as  Eastern Ukraine, anything south......etc.

[tim 360]

ambach,  look at the map closely. Kiev is like north-central and Vinnista is SW of Kiev.  I would say they are both more to the west.  Eastern cities would be Sumy and Lugansk.

[groovlstk]

2. Russian economy is doing very well, russian women are no longer interested in moving to America, but Ukraine is not doing so well, and there the women are still interested in moving to USA. I quote from the GQ article.
" The most available Russian women are not in Russia at all, they are in Ukraine".

Of course it causes a problem if almost every AM is looking exclusively into Ukraine and the ladies know that.

Actually, your greatest advantage is also your greatest weakness. The problem with the scenario above isn't that you'll have too much competition from American men, it's this: How are you going to tell the difference between a woman who will relocate to the US because she loves you and one who wants to escape a hardscrabble existence? One will stick by your side and try to make the transition, the other will exploit your weaknesses while combing your local population for a richer, more handsome guy.

[ambach123]

I stand corrected. Kiev is north central.

I plan to go to Kiev and then take a trip to Vinnetsya.

Economic conditions are what drives these women to seek foreign husbands. Russia has seen a sharp drop in women looking abroad. Foreign husbands have virtually disappeared from the Baltic countries.

If an AM is young, rich and handsome, he would have no difficulty finding a wife here or abroad. But those are usually not the type of men who look for a wife there.

[groovlstk]

Economic conditions are what drives these women to seek foreign husbands. Russia has seen a sharp drop in women looking abroad. Foreign husbands have virtually disappeared from the Baltic countries.

That all depends upon what pool you're dipping your toe in. If you date desperate girls and don't have much else to offer besides a life in the land of milk and honey, you should consider burying your assets in your backyard before she arrives.

[Jumper]

you asked for comments,
so:

It's not a bad plan , idea, or area.
I like Kiev! great city. .. lots to do and see..

the problem is in the reasonings you listed for your choice.

(one main thing: noone specifically looks in the local trailer park for thier wife..
so why purposefully use the criteria of *lowest relative ecomomic development*  when looking anywhere?)

anyway ,, the reasons given do not seem to be  truly reflective of the reality over there,
and seem based on articles , like the GQ one,,
which frankly was a decent article,,
but you cant take snipets from it and make big generalized statements as fact.
There are FAR more availble Russian women in,, well ... Russia.. 
your decision based on such facts will be missing some important information .


my thoughts on the generalizations

1.Ukraine is divided east and west,,
somewhat by geography, but far more by daily spoken language.

Kiev, lies north central and is the capitol city.
(The Dneper river flows thru it)
regardless of where it lies ,
the daily spoken language is russian
(even though Ukranian is the national language)

Same is true of vinnitsia , kharkov, dnepropetrovsk, etc etc
and most of the cities in the western haklf..
also those that lie centrally   along the Dnepor river which divedes eastern and western ukraine..
(the dneper river also flows roughly thru the center of dnepropetrovsk)

These people use Russian daily.. (and know Ukranian as they must learn it in school
and as the national language)

Everything east 
 generally the population speaks Ukrainian daily.. and while they know Russian,
it is a second language.

2. the economy in Ukraine is doing much better.. steadily better each year
Kiev in partivular is doing VERY well,
 and would be far ahead of most provincial Russian cities.

The Russian cities that are doing better
,or as well economically are few

Moscow and St Peterburg , and the list erodes quickly after that..

you would likely find it a  much harder time looking for a RW in Kiev than elsewhere
in Ukraine or Russia.if basing things on economics.

Certainly do not go to Kiev expecting the RW there to be overly interested in marriage to a Westerner.
That said:
 There certainly are RW living there that would be, i'm just suggesting to watch your expectations !!
A line from a GQ article should not have guys thinking that Kiev is some hot spot for looking for a RW to marry.

(if single) i would look there,
but honestly i dont think many guys would anymore.
prefering provincial Ukrainian and Russian cities.


I have been married about 5 years, my wife is Russian/Ukrainian..(from Dneper)
I did not specifically look in any given city or area..


I do think it is a decent idea to do so.


I would either-
pick a place you find interesting..
(Kiev is interesting for sure)
I was always interested in seeing st pete, or  vladivostok

or
 write/contact  many ,and see if you find someone(or a few) of particular interest in
 one area or city.

Also I would completey forget the visa thing..
yes Ukraine is easier,(i had a 5 year business visa when dating my now wife)
but the minor inconvenience of Russias visa requirement,
 should not bear in your decision at all.

(far greater hurdles lie ahead if you venture down this path..than a visa requirement..so its a mute point)

Good luck!

[Lily]

Economic conditions are what drives these women to seek foreign husbands. Russia has seen a sharp drop in women looking abroad. Foreign husbands have virtually disappeared from the Baltic countries.
 

May I humbly suggest that if it is the economic conditions that drive a woman to look for foreign husband, then we speak about a perfect Green Card Girl (GCG). Does our ambach 123 really believes that the best he has to offer to a woman is his passport? Looking for a woman wishing to get out from poverty?

I agree with groovlstk on this.

Ukraine really puts their women to an advantage when it allowed AW to land the country without visa. This, IMHO, made some people believe that the best options are there, because they are available.

Another IMHO that foreign husbands may disappear from Baltic countries, although I am not sure it is like this, that the Baltic people being citizens of the European Union are free to travel abroad. Suppose that Baltic women just go West and expand their mating horizons this way.

[Blues Fairy]

Does our ambach 123 really believes that the best he has to offer to a woman is his passport?

More likely, he is simply intimidated by the size of Russia, its visa fees, and its women's egos, whereas Ukraine seems a lot humbler, cozier, and more inviting.  Once he gets into REAL online relationships with real women, all perceived differences will be erased. 

[Misha]

Economic conditions are what drives these women to seek foreign husbands. Russia has seen a sharp drop in women looking abroad.

What is this based on? I married a woman from Russia who was not looking abroad. She was, however, looking for a good husband.

[BC]

The path of least resistance rarely leads to your true goal.

[ScottinCrimea]

The economy in Kiev is about as good as anywhere in Russia, so if that is your reason, it's not the best choice.  As far as the ease of travel, you will soon learn that for this exact reason, most AM who go to Ukraine in search of a wife include this city as part of their itinerary.  So if you're looking for a woman who wants to leave because of a poor economy and limit your competition, you've pickied the wrong place.

[Faux Pas]

2. Russian economy is doing very well, russian women are no longer interested in moving to America, but Ukraine is not doing so well, and there the women are still interested in moving to USA. I quote from the GQ article.
" The most available Russian women are not in Russia at all, they are in Ukraine".

Of course it causes a problem if almost every AM is looking exclusively into Ukraine and the ladies know that.

3. Russia requires visa for Americans, registeration for visitors etc., the travel is not as easy.

Any comments would be appreciated.

Just these two points I'll comment on: (2) Despite Russia's upturn in economy, it appears to me this hasn't yet trickled down to your average RW. They for the most part still experience life, wages and living conditions they did as say 10 years ago. Most earnest RW that seek men abroad are doing so for a husband and man to love that will love them in return. This is certainly not to discount the GTGs and GCGs as they do exist. I was recently in Russia and despite my best efforts to blend in it was obvious to most I was a "foreigner". Many instances even though I was in the presence of and with the lady I went to meet, some women did not hesitate to flirt and check me out. I felt like the prey instead of the predator.

(3) Other than the inconvenience and expense of obtaining the visa (which isn't a big deal) traveling in Russia is no different than any other foreign country. It is a pain in the ass not knowing the language or alphabet. More of a pain for those you encounter. I personally found passport control and customs equal to or not as bad as the US Customs. I have heard of some horror stories but could not verify it from my experience. No experience with the militia, pick-pockets or grifters. Entry, exit and travel within was pretty easy and seamless for me. Preparation and planning is probably the key.

I mention this because it appears you are discounting Russia and Russian women base on an article snipet. Probably not a good reason. IMHO

[Shadow]

Almost everyone here suggests that you must decide on one area to look into, since FSU is very large and you can't cover more than one area at a time.
I have decided on Eastern Ukraine.
Why?
1. There is an infrastructure in Kiev/ Vinnytsya with marriage agencies etc. There is a lot of demand and supply. You can get a lot of professional help as well.
2. Russian economy is doing very well, russian women are no longer interested in moving to America, but Ukraine is not doing so well, and there the women are still interested in moving to USA. I quote from the GQ article.
" The most available Russian women are not in Russia at all, they are in Ukraine".
Of course it causes a problem if almost every AM is looking exclusively into Ukraine and the ladies know that.
3. Russia requires visa for Americans, registeration for visitors etc., the travel is not as easy.
Any comments would be appreciated.

Note: The comments contain sarcasm and tongue-in-cheek, as wel as cluebats. Do not read unless prepared for those.

So you decided to find a country girl, that is living in a poor under developed area in is desperate to get out of there. Of course going there alone would be too hard for someone with little geographic knowledge that could not live a day without luxury toilet paper, so you need a place where slave traders (or as they call themselves : agencies) will guide you to the prospects and you can pick your puppy from the pound. You want a young, slim, blond woman that will answer 'yes' to all your desires as you save her from poverty by enslaving her in the modern world.
The last thing you want is spend effort on finding a life partner. You would never want a partner that could reach something in life without your money. In fact, if they could cook and clean you would be perfectly happy with a blow-up doll.

Udachi. (Good Luck).

[Catman]

I got tired of agencies with talk of riding unicorns through fields of flowers. I just want a nice girl and not a model but a girl that is attractive to me. I failed miserably with an agency and pro dater before so I lost the taste for agencies completely. I tried Eduard and in the first week I was e-mailing my pick of 10 girls who were looking for a man, not a country and a man. Instant success It doesn't matter what part of FSU she is from but wether or not she is sincere in wanting a man. E-mailing these girls is different somehow. It is real! Eduard is still e-mailing more girls to me

[Shadow]

Catman, until you meet you have nothing but a penpal. With Eduard in between, you have a penpal by proxy.

[Turboguy]

I don't know that I agree with you Shadow.  We have guys on here who have met in lots of different ways.   Some have had success using free personals, some with places like BrideRu or Elenas, some with running local ads, some with going there and teaching or working, some with ICQ and someplace somewhere there must be someone who met on a tour but I can't recall that to be certain.

Edward gets a lot of flack here but he is taping into a segment where few others are going.  Most guys are using the same techniques that thousands of others are using.  Just as Thor was touting running ad's both target women who are not listed with agencies and many women would be interested in doing this but would never use an agency.  I have to think there is potential for it to work and it will be interesting when the results come in to see how Catman makes out when he actually meets his pen pals.   He commented that he was e-mailing them.  My impression is that Edward is making the intitial contact and then Catman writes from there.  I don't see it as pen pal by proxy. 

Personally I am looking forward to hearing how this turns out. 

[Shadow]

Turbo, Catman is telling about 'instant succes' because he is mailing with 10 girls, and Eduard is looking for more.
You should know after all of your adventures that mailing 10 girls is not success.
Until Catman has actually made the trip, and found that one of the girls he is writing has chemistry enough to pursue a relationship, then he has made the first step on the way to success.
Right now, as far as I believe Eudar works, he gets translated letters, and writes back letters that are translated for him. I will give Eudard the benefit of the doubt that he does not 'colour' the letters but translates them like a professional translator would.
Still that makes the stage of Catman nothing more than a penpal stage, and as there is someone in between, there is no direct contact.

Without direct contact, it is a penpal by proxy. That does not mean Catman will fail, or that Eduard is doing a bad job for the $150 a week  Catman pays him.

[alantodd]

Eduard's approach should work but Catman needs to get on a plane.  If you going after serious non desperate women there going to get bored writing letters.  They want a personal face to face meeting if their serious.  Get on a plane and go.  You should be using the phone too and not letters. 

If your in Kiev from May 25th to June 1st let me know as I can introduce you to several serious women.  My 24th trip to Kiev is this May in past 22 months so I am very familiar with Kiev (met my fiance first trip to Kiev on business - no letters). 

My advice is to start learning Russian language, read a couple of books about their culture, and maybe a book about Russian women. and buy your plane ticket.

[Turboguy]

Shadow, I agree that this is not at a stage where you can call it a success or failure.   I would not be surprised that through the years I wrote more RW than anyone here and you are right.  It means nothing

I do think the good side of what Eduard does is that he taps women that are not available to most guys.  I think that is a real plus.  There are negatives as well, such as the likelyhood of more of a language problem.  As far as the pen pal by proxy, I am guessing that Eduard is translating his letters and the ladies letters.   That is no different than happens with lots of agencies except the likelyhood of the letters being fabricated by someone else should not be an issue.

For those who write as a system of doing this the first stage is prospecting.  It does seem like he is having more luck at this stage.  I am curious to see how it goes at the meeting stage and beyond.  I guess we just have to stay tuned for the next episode.  I agree with Alan,  Go.

[Catman]

I'm hoping to get over to Ukraine soon to meet these girls. Yes of course it is just correspondence right now, just like everyone else who starts out and until you meet them you will never know for sure. Out of 10 I have 4 favorites. Two from Russia, two from Ukraine. This week I've seen that the two from Ukraine are very sincere and the two from Russia I'm not sure about. I've asked Ed to find more girls from Ukraine for the reason that it's hard for me to get away and it simplify's the trip to concentrate on Ukraine. Also I have Ukrainian roots so I tend to lean to Ukraine. I'm very happy with Eds translations as I am sure I tested his skills with the letters I've written.
I also see Eduard get a lot of flack on here and I don't know why. I'm very happy with his service. Yes there are success stories from agencies but I'm sure there are more horror stories using agencies than successful ones. If Eds method is new then why not try something new as opposed to something old with many flaws as we know for sure. We'll see what happens. Money you will spend one way or another, there is nothing inexpensive about anything nowadays. Spend small amounts of money for a long time with no success or more money for a short time with success.