Journalists described the level's plot as illogical and derided the ability to skip the level. 'No Russian' sparked significant controversy for letting players directly participate in a terrorist mass killing, and it became a popular subject in both gaming publications and major news publications. Members of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 's development team were polarized in their opinions of the level, and several game-testers expressed disapproval, including one game-tester who refused to play the level at all. Much of the level's development was spent designing the massacre-portion, which Alavi did not want to feel too contrived or traumatic. Alavi wanted the level to serve as a catalyst for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 's plot, and create an emotional connection between the player and Makarov.

Game designer Mohammad Alavi was heavily involved in the level's development. Joseph Allen, working as an undercover CIA asset, attempting to gain the trust of a Russian terrorist named Vladimir Makarov. The plot of 'No Russian' revolves around Army Ranger PFC.

'No Russian' is noticeably more graphic than any other level in the game. In the level, the player participates in a mass shooting at a Russian airport, although the player is not forced or told by the game itself to shoot any civilians and may skip the level altogether without penalty. ' No Russian' is a mission in the 2009 video game Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and its remastered version, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remastered.

PFC Joseph Allen (aka Alexei Borodin), Vladimir Makarov, Viktor, Lev, Kiril Zakhaev International Airport (also referred to in-game as Moscow Domodedovo Airport), Moscow Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remastered (2020)

System shock remastered controversy