Heavenly end for many a Russian (3)

I believe the answer is:

sky

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'russian' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how one could define the other.

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sky that I've seen before include "Orbiting space-station" , "Hit upwards" , "-- Blue" , "Hit high into the air" , "Firmament" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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