Once you get past the first few paragraphs, the CNN story is almost complinetary of the process.
I've met some Russian girls over the internet and even spoke with two by phone. Guys who jump to marriage without really knowing who they are marrying are getting what they deserve. If you invest some actual time in the relationship first, one-on-one without buffers or intermediaries, you can spot the sincere ones from the golddiggers. It's very important that she have a good command of English if you expect her to assimilate in the U.S.
I'm not convinced the story in this article is any more unusual than many that don't involve "Russian brides". We all seem to want to marry our ideals not the reality and believe in things that, in retrospect, were hardly believable. When reality comes, many just can't handle it.
It's somewhat more unusual. Most American women are able to understand their husband's language and can get an inkling whether they're mate is sincere. This girl really should have picked up more English before making up her mind, but a lot of these girls figure all American guys are honest, and looking for a real relationship, the agencies tell em the same thing, they don't have a clue till they step off the plane.