The Call of Duty franchise is known for its addictive gameplay, grandiose plots and shocking moments. One of the most talked about missions in the series is “No Russian”, first introduced in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 in 2009 and reintroduced in Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remastered in 2020. This mission stands out not only for its intense gameplay, but also for the controversy it has generated both within and outside of the gaming community. In this piece, we take a look at the Call of Duty No Russian mission, its importance in the story, the controversy it has caused, and its impact on the franchise and gaming culture.
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The emotional impact of this mission, its importance to the story, and the choices it poses to players have made it a topic of discussion in gaming culture. In this guide, you’ll find all the information you need to know about the mission, from its story significance to the reactions to it.
The events of the “No Russian” level unfold during the fourth mission of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. The main character, Joseph Allen, is an undercover CIA agent who must infiltrate a terrorist organization led by Vladimir Makarov. Hiding under the name “Alexei Borodin,” Allen joins Makarov’s team, which is planning a terrorist attack at Zakhaev International Airport. At the beginning of the mission, Makarov reminds, “Remember, no Russians,” instructing his team to avoid the Russian language to give the impression that the attack was organized by the Americans.
The mission begins with the player and Makarov’s team exiting an elevator at the airport, where they open fire on unarmed civilians. Players don’t have to take part in the carnage, but neither can they prevent the violence or change the course of events. The only resistance is airport security and the police who arrive to stop the attackers.
After creating real chaos, Makarov reveals that he has always known about Allen’s true identity as a US agent. After a shocking betrayal, he kills Allen, leaving his body at the crime scene as part of his plan to charge the U.S. with mass murder. This act sets off a chain reaction that eventually leads to World War III and becomes an important part of Modern Warfare’s overall plot.
