by , 8:10 AM EDT, August 28th, 2008

Russian cell carrier VimpelCom revealed on Thursday that is has penned a deal with Apple to sell the iPhone 3G in Russia. Like earlier announcements from carriers in other countries, VimpelCom isn't offering any details other than to say that it will begin selling the iPhone 3G "later this year."

Apple plans to sell the iPhone 3G in about 70 countries by the end of 2008, and has already introduced the combination iPod and smartphone to over 40 countries. The handheld first went on sale on about 20 countries on July 11, and then an additional 21 countries on August 22.

Like prior iPhone distribution deal announcements, Apple has not commented on the agreement.