There is a mirror behind you so he can see in the mirror to see what you are doing. He does not speak to you. he does not say "hi". he Just stares at you. We timed the people in front of us and they make you stand there for 5 to 10 minutes doing nothing but staring at you. looking and reading your passports. making out like they are doing something. but It does not take a very long time to read your passport or your visa. It is all in the vein of intimidating you before you even get to the Soviet Union. In the airport there are soldiers in uniform all over the airport.