Is kissing on the cheek when greeting polite in Russia?

Common among acquaintances. In Russia, a cheek kiss (usually one, sometimes three) is a standard greeting among friends and acquaintances at social gatherings, especially between women or from a man to a woman. However, it is less common between men, who typically shake hands, and may be seen as overly familiar with strangers or in formal settings.

Wait for the other person to initiate or lean in, and aim for a light air-kiss near the cheek rather than a full contact kiss.

In more conservative or older circles, cheek kissing may be reserved for close friends and family; younger urban Russians are more likely to use it casually.