While Windows Phone may be struggling to gain a foothold in the US, that's apparently not the case in other parts of the world. The Russian language website MS4Press.ru claims that since the introduction of Windows Phone 7.5 in late 2011, sales of devices that have the OS have exceeded expectations in Russia.

The story claims that according to IDC, about 250,000 units of Windows Phone products have been sold in Russia. Samsung, HTC and Nokia have all released smartphones with Windows Phone installed in that country. The story quotes IDC analyst Simon Baker as saying that in the first quarter of 2012, " ...Windows Phone will likely be able to surpass iOS in terms of the number of smartphones sold in Russia."

The story says that 98 percent of Windows Phone owners in Russia are satisfied with their smartphone purchase and 94 percent would recommend one to a friend.

While Russia isn't exactly the biggest smartphone market, the fact that Windows Phone is having some sales success in that country could lead to other sales boosts in other territories, especially with the upcoming launch of the long awaited Nokia Lumia 900 on Sunday.

Thanks to Aletheia for the tip.