Will the iPhone Be Available in Russia Before Europe?

According to CNews, citing a Russian source, the iPhone will be available in Russia in Autumn 2007, as early as September-October, months ahead of its introduction in Europe. Last comments from Apple indicated that the iPhone should arrive in Europe at the end of the year, probably right on time for Christmas shopping fever.
We can not comment further as we never heard about it before. The market of mobile phones is exploding in Russia, and Apple might well try to offer the iPhone as part of a package for consumers signing their first mobile phone subscription. In most European countries, most mobile phones are sold either with a package when moving to another carrier, or when replacing its old mobile phone for a new model with a special offer from the carrier (remaining more expensive than a new comer/new contract package).
We should have the opportunity to see and maybe test the iPhone at the Apple Expo.