I was pretty excited when I read this but I just got off the phone
with the Consulate in Moscow and was told that nothing has changed.
No visas are being issued at this time and they have absolutely no
idea when that may change. If anything, this operator was more tight
lipped than any I've spoken with to date. When I mentioned the state
department's press release, she told me that, unfortunately, I was
given incorrect information.

It looks like this press release may have just been a bit of spin
doctoring to make it look like their doing something because of the
heat they've been getting from universities and people like us.

I'm just amazed at the arrogance of these people.