Practical Russian for foreigners

A native-speaker Russian tutor online, practical from day one.

I grew up in Ukraine speaking both Ukrainian and Russian, and I teach Russian the way people use it today — for conversation, work, travel and family. Patient, clear lessons for beginners and for anyone who wants to finally start speaking.

One-to-one · online · all levels
3,500+
lessons taught since 2022
500+
students from 30+ countries
5.0
rating on italki

Who it's for

Russian lessons for beginners and conversation.

Lessons are one-to-one, so we start wherever you are and focus on what you'll use.

I

Complete beginners

Cyrillic, sounds and everyday phrases from the first lesson — calm and step by step.

II

Conversational Russian

You know some grammar but freeze when speaking? We practise real conversations until talking feels natural.

III

Work and family

Colleagues, clients or a partner's family who speak Russian — we focus on the situations you're really in.

IV

Past the plateau

Intermediate and stuck? We work on the grammar that holds you back and widen your vocabulary through conversation.

Inside the lessons

What we work on.

  1. 01Speaking practice in every lesson
  2. 02Grammar explained simply: cases, verbs of motion, aspect
  3. 03Reading and writing in Cyrillic
  4. 04Clear pronunciation and stress
  5. 05Everyday vocabulary for your own goals
  6. 06Formal and informal speech — when to use which
  7. 07Listening to natural speed and real accents
  8. 08Notes and new words after every lesson

How it works

Three steps to your first lesson.

  1. 01

    A trial lesson

    Message me on Instagram to arrange a 30-minute trial (€15). We talk about your goals and I check your level.

  2. 02

    A plan for you

    I suggest what to focus on and how often to meet.

  3. 03

    Regular lessons

    60-minute video lessons at times that suit you, with notes after each one.

Prices

Simple, transparent prices.

Start with a 30-minute trial for €15. After that, pay per lesson or save 20% with the five-lesson pack.

Trial lesson

30 minutes, one-to-one

€15

  • Meet me and talk through your goals
  • I check your level and suggest a plan
  • No commitment afterwards
Ask about a place

Single lesson

60 minutes, one-to-one

€30

  • Built around your goals and interests
  • Notes and new words after every lesson
  • A regular time we agree on together
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5-lesson pack

5 × 60 minutes

€120

€24 per lesson · save 20%

  • A structured plan with clear milestones
  • Homework if you want it
  • Best value for steady progress
Ask about a place

Student reviews

What Russian students say.

Alina is incredibly patient with newbies (such as myself) and provides a highly welcoming and calm approach to learning Russian. I learn new things every single lesson and I feel very confident in her teachings. She is a highly gifted instructor and I would recommend her to anyone wanting to learn the Russian language.
Doug63 Russian Lessons
This lesson was perfect for practicing speaking and I look forward to further lessons in the future. Alina is nice, patient, and willing to help with whatever questions you may have.
Trey Lines54 Russian Lessons

Good questions

Questions about Russian lessons.

  1. Is Russian hard to learn?

    It takes patience — cases and verbs of motion need time — but with clear explanations and regular speaking practice it becomes very manageable.

  2. Why learn Russian with a Ukrainian?

    I speak Russian natively and teach it as a practical tool for communication. You get a patient teacher who explains clearly — and if you're curious about Ukrainian too, I teach that as well.

  3. Do you teach complete beginners?

    Yes. We start with Cyrillic and simple phrases and build from there, at your pace.

  4. How soon will I be able to hold a conversation?

    Everyone moves at a different pace, but speaking regularly is what makes the difference — so we speak in every lesson, from the very first one.

  5. How do online lessons work?

    We meet by video call at a time that suits you. All you need is a laptop or phone and headphones.

Почнімо?

Ready to start speaking Russian?

Lessons are arranged on Instagram: message me, and we'll begin with a 30-minute trial (€15) to talk about your goals and make a plan — no commitment afterwards.