feefhs.org
Interesting.
Highpoints gleaned from Naval History and Heritage Command , and Naval Heritage Foundation give a more neutral and nuanced take .
The most Pro Russian conclusion was " Russia was the only major European Power that wasn't openly Anti Northern " .
All European powers stayed officially neutral. France didn't do much if any directly for the CSA , but was making hay with their Adventures in Mexico while the Monroe Doctrine wasn't being enforced . British general opinion was divided , but the British Industrialists were buying whatever cotton could get smuggled out , and selling Arms to Confederate Intrests for full retail list .
Russia's huge imeadate diplomatic / geopolitical concern was dealing with the Poles . Prussia was on their side to put down the Poles , but rest of Europe was various degrees of sympathy for Polish Freedom .
And of course , Russia's long term Geopolitics focus was global dueling with British for territory and influence (aka the Great Game, which was only put on hold for WWI ).
In early 1860's Russia was trying to stir up things just enough to distract Britain and France from interviewing on behalf of the Polish Independence movement. CSA vs USA was just a forth level pawn of minor intrigue.
Assuming that a Pro Russian Influencer group today wouldn't under sell any legitimate Russian accomplishments , there was 1 ( one) Russian Officer served with Union Army . Not imeadately clear if quasi official exchange , or just as a private Adventurer .
Meanwhile large numbers of other Foreign serving on both sides . Some temporary, some very fresh immigrants. Notably British , Irish , and German.
So ok . Russian influence during Civil War was greater than zero , but very minor and indirect compared to Support from France and Poland during the Revolutionary War .
www.ammoland.com
