This document discusses open data initiatives in Russia. It begins by outlining government initiatives to promote open data, including the Big Government Initiative and attempts to join the Open Government Partnership. It then provides examples of Russian open data sites at the federal, regional, and ministry levels. It also describes some public initiatives in Russia like civic hackathons and competitions working with open data. Finally, it discusses challenges to open data in Russia, including fears among officials, lack of open data skills and priorities, issues with data quality and formats, and lack of expertise and awareness among the public.