Originally Posted by
TheBOSman
But it doesn't matter, at initial check-in, the airline will make sure you are able to enter Russia, as this is the ticket purchased. If you cannot enter Russia, they will deny you boarding at the initial check-in point. If you tell them you are missing the flight that arrives in Russia, you are, "most likely", breaking the contract of carriage, which will also likely get your ticket canceled at the initial check-in point.
Exactly ! This is correct. I travel to Russia several times in a year, and my visa is always checked at initial check-in point.
But it is not difficult to get a Russian visa now for US passport holders, it was always much easier for most EU country passport holders.