To Virginia, opulent Russian mate (8)

I believe the answer is:

tovarich

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'russian mate' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'to virginia opulent' is the wordplay.
'virginia' becomes 'va' (US state abbreviation).
'opulent' becomes 'rich' (similar in meaning).
'to'+'va'+'rich'='TOVARICH'

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I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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