The Russian Football Union has launched a shock bid to rival the UK and Ireland in hosting Euro 2028.
Russia is currently suspended from competing by FIFA and UEFA following Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine and the national team has been removed from the play-offs for the World Cup in Qatar later this year.
The war has also brought heavy economic sanctions and an exodus of major companies which have largely isolated the country from the rest of the world.
But RFU executive committee member Rustem Saymanov insists the pitch is "not a joke" as he confirmed Russia wants to host Euro 2028 and 2032.
The UK and Ireland's bid to co-host the tournament was formally submitted ahead of Wednesday's deadline.
But Saymanov said: “The RFU is going to apply for the European Championships 2028 and 2032, this is not a joke, yes. Life goes on with us, we are open and ready, we should not be closed to UEFA and FIFA.
“We held many competitions at a high level. Let's go, I admit that there is a lot of time, the situation will change, we will study everything."
The SFA and their counterparts in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have put forward an ‘Expression of Interest’ to UEFA following a feasibility study which evaluated the hosting opportunities and local benefits.
If successful, Scotland could be granted automatic qualification for the tournament alongside their fellow UK-based hosts.
UEFA have previously stated that a maximum of two host nations would be granted a spot at their tournaments.
