Da locum melioribus! или Hatof ve-ahol ki mahar namut!

why is that, by the way?

Rus' experienced its dark history during the times of paganism, until the great cross brought meaning and joy to the life of the common peasant.

To Islam, of course. Islam is cruel and strong, while Christianity is a tolerant religion for managing herds of peasants. It's better to conquer and take an honorable place on the right hand of Allah than to be slaughtered like an infidel pig for trying to turn the other cheek. And the woman will know her place under such a regime - it's a small thing, but it's pleasant.