Russia anyone? From today's NWA newswire:

SkyTeam Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Aeroflot

SkyTeam said Monday that the alliance has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Aeroflot, the biggest international and domestic air carrier in Russia. The Russian government controls 51 percent of Aeroflot.

The MOU is a preliminary step in the new member process and outlines Aeroflot's intentions to undertake exclusive discussions to become a part of SkyTeam, pending fulfillment of the alliance's joining requirements.

"The addition of Aeroflot to the SkyTeam alliance will provide our passengers with access to new destinations in Russia and beyond, while creating new efficiencies and synergies for member airlines," said Jean-Cyril Spinetta, chairman and CEO of Air France KLM. "SkyTeam strategically aligns itself with partners that further support our ultimate objective of providing customers the highest levels of choice and convenience."