Russian Promise 

The act of saying one thing, which puts everyone at ease, then doing the exact opposite of what you propose. It's kind of like a crazy Ivan.

Ivan: Anna, if you go to bed with me, I promise to respect you in the morning.

Anna: Really, I love you so much.

Ivan at 6AM: Get out bitch, here's cab fare. I gave you a Russian Promise last night.

Russian Promise by Commissar Black October 14, 2008

Russian Promise

A guarantee, treaty, or solemn oath made with the absolute intention of breaking it the moment it becomes strategically convenient. It is a specific type of gaslighting where the aggressor loudly proclaims a desire for peace or cooperation solely to buy time, distract their victim, or maneuver their forces for a surprise attack.

"I really thought my ex was going to change after he swore he deleted the dating apps, but it was just a Russian Promise. He was actually just stalling to line up a new girlfriend before dumping me."

Russian Promise by carroarmato0 December 12, 2025