The objective of the study was to develop and implement an integrated spatial–economic–ecological modelling approach for Russia that could be used to assist policy makers in their choice of sustainability policies. This implied the following interrelated aims: develop a modelling approach which represents the state of the art in impact assessment modelling and corresponds to the complexity of the sustainability issue; build a consistent database; construct the spatial – economic – ecological model for Russia; develop a set of sustainability indicators which allows for quantification of social, economic and environmental effects of sustainability policies; use the model to assess the effects of sustainability policy measures in the Russian Federation. This modelling approach provided the Russian and international community with sound scientific support for formulating sustainability policies on regional and federal levels that are characterized by a balanced integration between social, economic and environmental policy objectives.