RW,
at first learn to speak and to write russian. Then try to understand the normal talks. Then do the licence conversion. Then fly in the north.
Have found only a very limited number of russian helicopterpilots speaking english.
And if you so experienced you will know that any PIC on such a complex helicopter like Mi-8 in such a difficult environment like the pole will greet a western greenhorn with big salute
May be it's the attitude that makes us to western amateurs?