The Russian Football Association has announced its intention to join the race to host the World Cup in 2018 or 2022.
The association says it has sent a letter to football's governing body FIFA informing it of this.
Last week FIFA president Sepp Blatter urged the Russians to enter the fray.
FIFA has set a February 2nd deadline for potential bidders to formally express their interest.
The successful bids will be announced in December 2010.
Spain and Portugal formalised their plan to bid together earlier this week, while Netherlands and Belgium also have a joint proposal.
Other interested nations include England, the United States, China and Mexico.
