will an unlocked iPad work in russia with there sim card

It should. Your friend needs a data sim and not a cell phone sim 4G/LTE may

or may not work depending on what the network your friend uses supports. Do

not set up with your local AppStore - let friend do entire setup as new from his

location and using the proper AppStore.

If the iPad is not new, make sure the following has been done (even if you

are sure all the steps have been done, do them again slowly and in the order given):

Prepare your device to sell or give away

Then check here to make sure the iPad is not Activation Locked:

https://www.icloud.com/activationlock/

Do keep in mind if there is a warranty problem with that device your friend will have to send it back to you to get it serviced.