It certainly indirectly translates to it though. English + internet = tons more information. English + travel = far more destinations. English + business = far more international opportunities.

For example, want to open up some business in Germany? You're going to have an easier time speaking either German or English than if you just speak Russian. Swap in Chinese/French/Spanish/Arabic if you like, but all of these still take a back seat to English (at the moment).

That's true, but learning a foreign language takes money and incredible amount of time (hundreds or thousands of hours). Potential opportunities by themselves are not going to keep many people motivated enough to push through.

Internet is indeed very beneficial in a sense that it provides a tangible reward path at least for learning basics.

You are right, English is almost useless in Russia.

It IS useful if you work in IT and have to read docs, but basic English is enough for that.

Knowing more languages allows you to get perspective and info from more people. English has the most diverse perspectives because it is the de facto language of business around the world. Russian is spoken in... Russia. Knowing only Russian limits you to Russian information sources and perspectives.

While English is indeed very useful, Russian is spoken in quite a bit of countries as a first or second language (mainly in the former USSR).

"Basic English is enough for that" ? I am amazed at the simplicity of the work you are referring to. Do they still pay a salary for that, or are these people supposed to work for free? Maybe they get paid through something like a Russian fiverr?