Describe the impact of the Viking expansion on the evolution of early Russia.

The vikings who entered Russia were Swedish vikings. They were primarily known to be traders. They made their way across the Baltic Sea and opened up trade routes along the great Russian rivers - the Volga, the Dnieper and the Dvina.  They were considered to have founded the first Russian state, Kievan Rus and gave the Russians their name. They mingled with the locals and became part of the people. Consequently, the viking culture has a big impact on the people's social, political and religious life as shown in archeological evidences. Their crafts were manifested in their knowledge of iron, bronze and silver works, jewelry making and bone carving. Graves were found with cremated and non-burned remains. They also practiced slavery and took Celtic and Russian slaves.  Furthermore, the vikings introduced organized meetings among groups such as assemblies. The language of the vikings soon became a part of the Slavic language. Alphabets found on Rune stones showed resemblance to the Roman letters and reflected the happenings of that era.
Further Reading:
http://www.wou.edu/history/files/2015/08/Katie-Lane.pdf
http://factsanddetails.com/russia/History/sub9_1a/entry-4932.html
 

Viking expansion helped make the Russian state.  In 860 a Rus Viking chieftain named Rurik from Sweden came and conquered the region around Novgorod.  He found warring Slavic tribes, whom he subdued and led.  One of Rurik's successors would conquer Kiev, the capital of modern-day Ukraine.  Within two hundred years, the Swedish Viking characteristics diminished, but the Slavic culture remained.  The Vikings helped incorporate the Russian people into a greater European trade network.  Viking ships had shallow drafts and could make use of European river networks.  The Vikings placed a lot of value on material objects, as chiefs would use these to ensure loyalty. Material artifacts are often found in Viking burials.  With all of this emphasis on material goods, good trade networks with ships were essential.  The Vikings' language also blended with the Slavic language already present, giving the modern-day Slavic names of Olga and Igor.  While Viking culture would eventually give way around the time that Christianity became accepted in Europe, the Vikings helped to unify the early medieval Russian state.  
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/transcripts/2708vikings.html