I've actually met several writers here like that. Not just from Russia--but all over. I didn't have the slightest idea that English wasn't their first language. In fact, I'd say most (all?) of them have a better hold of English than I do.
I'm dead serious.
Something about having to *learn* it as an adult (or near adult) is different than just growing up with it. It doesn't say very much for our school systems here, though. LOL
Or possibly it doesn't say very much for my attention to English as a kid
I'd start claiming that English was my second language if I thought I could get away with it--you know, to get me off the hook when I flub up. But all of you non-native speakers would just come along and look awesome still anyway.