This textbook is for learners and teachers of Russian as a foreign language. It guides the learners from the initial concepts of the Russian language system, to fluency at the A2+ level, developing rich vocabulary, verbal and written skills adequate for confident communication with the speakers of Russian. Good for self-studies or classroom learning. Detailed explanations of the Russian grammar in English along with clear examples, vocabulary development, hundreds of unique exercises with answers help develop confidence in using the rules and words just learned. Stress marks in the Russian words and audio tracks assist the students in learning correct pronunciation. Important conversational topics, elegant informative illustrations created by contemporary Russian artists, vivid Russian idioms, and compelling excursions into Russian linguistic and cultural phenomena serve the same purpose of engaging the learner into the world of Russian language, culture and literature. This book also serves as a comprehensive teacher's guide that offers a complete course made of ready-to-use lessons as well as suggestions and ideas on how to build customized ones. The book is a part of a greater complimentary web-based ecosystem that contains soundtracks, subject-oriented dictionaries, and the answers to the exercises.