I would back off some; still message him and all but not consider him my exclusive boyfriend or anything since he's away. I'd talk to other guys if you get a chance, see him when he's around but date other guys when he's not and not expect him to not date in Russia if opportunities come his way and he's interested. I think it's awfully early and awkward, because of the distance, to be trying to make something permanent. There's too many possibilities to settle when you are only 17. I met my husband when I was 34, married him when I was 39.