When to go to Russia
Summer, with its long, light evenings and balmy temperatures offers the classic time to visit these northerly climes, and for those wishing to visit Mongolia on the Trans-Siberian railway this is the ideal, though most popular, option.
The brief but glorious months of spring and autumn offer an excellent opportunity to experience European Russia in uncrowded peace, while many consider St Petersburg at its best in its glittering winter dress of snow.
Despite plummeting temperatures, travel in winter does remain a possibility if one is properly prepared - even the Trans-Siberian railway continues to chug across the icebound steppe.
When to go to Ukraine
Travel in the Ukraine is possible all year round; however the best times to go are spring, when the blossoms are on the trees, and autumn, when the weather is most clement.
In summer it can be very hot on the Black Sea coast, and busy with Russians and Ukrainians relaxing by the sea. Winter is obviously cold but the domes and spires of Kiev in particular look fabulous under a layer of snow.