From my observation, there is at least an implicit acknowledgment by the Russian Orthodox of the validity of Catholic Orders and Sacraments. Not communion per se, but a better acknowledgment then by some.
I’m basing this off the idea that the Orthodox object to the establishment of a full Catholic diocese in Russia, because it to them suggests that the Catholic claim full ecclesiastic jurisdiction over Russia, as apposed to the previous Apostolic “out posts” set up to serve Catholics who happen to live in Russia.
On the one hand, the Russian Orthodox seem to recognize the ability of the Catholic Church to set up a diocese, by opposing that we do so. On the other hand, because the Catholics can’t be served by the existing eparchies and we need a parallel structure of some sort shows we are not in communion.
Nine_two, since you are Orthodox, I wonder if you could comment on my thought here offer your opinion. Sorry if I’m babbling a bit, its late and I’m sleepy