Abstract This paper reviews an operator's experience in drilling two offshore wells in Russia in 1992. The wells were drilled using a Russian rig and services with the exception of electric logging, cementing chemicals, drilling fluids, and testing. Some unique inroads were made in contracting and logistics. This paper identifies the Russian and western services and materials used to drill these wells, the problems encountered in conducting the operations, and the cooperative effort established between the operator and the Russian contractor.