This article explores how Russian became a commodity in the global service industry in the decade between 2004 and 2014 and, in some places, much earlier. It starts with a debate of sociolinguistic theory of ‘commodification of language’, focusing on aspects critical for this case study. Then, it traces the process of commodification of Russian, starting with why (reasons) and when (timeline), proceeding to where (locations) and how (forms), and ending with the so what. It also talks about what next, distinguishing the opportunities for inquiry on global Russian and the many gaps that are waiting to be filled.