By the way, it is rather a myth that Ms.Rice speaks Russian. When she was in Moscow, journalists felt very enthusiastic about it and tried to speak in Russian to her several times, but she looked confused and needed interpreter's help every time. In the end she managed saying couple of common words. She definitely coudn't speak or understand Russian, may be she can read a little bit.
Probably, she studed the language long time ago but likely never used/exercised afterwards.
It is not that it changes anything in an attidute towards her, it's just interesting fact.