Cash Box said the "tune is as sensitive as the subject matter" and that the song has "a mesmerizing tempo, well textured production and John’s inimitable vocal style.

"[4] Billboard called it a "lilting tune" and coupled it with the song "Russians" as a "proffering" of "international amity on a personal level".

Scenes showed the two together in various happy situations, including wearing the colours of Watford FC, of whom John is a supporter and former chairman.

[6] Elton John, Bernie Taupin and Big Pig Music were accused of plagiarism by South African photographer and songwriter Guy Hobbs.

Hobbs wrote a song in 1982 entitled "Natasha", about a Russian waitress on a cruise ship, who was never allowed to leave it.