The doctoral degree system is followed in two-tier in Russia.
First doctoral degree and Second doctoral degree
In countries where two-tier system is followed for doctoral degree, then degree of Kandidat Nauk should be considered for the first doctoral degree for recognition.
Whereas in countries which follows only 1 doctoral degree, the degree of Kandidat Nauk should be considered equivalent to this degree for recognition.
Again in countries where a two-tier doctoral degree is followed there the degree of Doktor Nauk should be considered for recognition as compared to the level of Second doctoral degree.
Wherein some countries where only 1 doctoral degree exist, there also Doktor Nauk should be considered for recognition as compared to this degree.
From: Guidelines for the recognition of qualifications from the European countries in the Russian Federation and of Russian Qualifications in the other European countries//kouptsov O. Mutual Recognition of Qualifications: The Russian Federation and other European Countries – Bucharest: UNESCO, 1997.-132 pp.- ISBN 92-9069-146-8.