[eleni121]

Evading the issue are we?

Let me explain further: Not sure what your definition of “western” is but if you include the positive aspects of it then there there would never have been any “western” culture without the wisdom of the Levant and that includes Greece ..and even more the “Eastern” Christian Church and its adherents.

[Clemenza]

Russia had a history prior to its adoption of Christianity. There were actually several cases in history where the Russian nobility came close to converting to Islam. Moreover, the adoption of Christianity of any kind does not make one "western." If that were the case, the Philippines (one of the most devoutly Christian nations on earth) would be "western." Don't get me started on pre-Christian and post-Christian western culture either.

Russia's unique culture will forever set it apart from the west. It makes for a more interesting country as a result.