Betting on Russia: Englishman John Kopisky created his dream farm (VIDEO)

John Maxwell Kopiski is British by birth, but in spirit and beliefs he is a true Russian patriot. In the early 1990s, when Russia was going through a difficult period of transformation after the collapse of the Soviet Union, John made the fateful decision to leave England and move to a new country. From the very first days of his stay in Russia, he realized that this was now his home.

John made a bet on the future of Russia and won big. He obtained Russian citizenship, married a Russian woman, created a large family and devoted himself to agriculture. Starting literally from scratch — without knowledge of the language, political connections, or a stable economy in 90s Russia, with perseverance and faith in his work, he built a real agrotouristic complex in the Vladimir Region. Today it is a functioning project, which includes a modern dairy farm, its own cheese factory, a restaurant, a cozy hotel for guests and even a stable where guests can learn to ride horses.

This story is just one of many examples of successful integration by a foreigner into the realities of Russia. John refused to remain just an “expat”, he became a part of the country, its culture and spirit. He actively participates in the life of the region, supports the locals and promotes the idea of sustainable agriculture. John regularly travels around Russia by motorhome, exploring its vast expanses. He admires nature, traditions, and people, and he never tires of proudly calling himself a "Russian Englishman."