The only purpose for learning Russian is to better communicate with my Russian readers. Almost all of my Russian friends speak English perfectly. Knowledge of Russian also would be useful if I ever get brave enough to travel in the country alone. Russian plays no role in my professional life, as the universal language for business is English. That's why it's difficult to find motivation to study. I'm only learning the language for fun, not out of necessity.

One of my Russian friends claims he can't speak English. But when he's drunk, he suddenly speaks English sentences fine! It's very funny. :)