Moscow trip

Anyone been to Russia (Moscow)via Belarus or is the route via Latvia better. I understand that Belarus is harder to get into, do I need a visa for Belarus as well as Russia?
Thinking of Moscow down to Odessa then back up to Hungary, Croatia etc. If I go via Latvia only need visa for Russia and poss Ukraine/Hungary as rest of countrys ether EU or have an agreement re Visas.
So anyone done similar run any info or help greatfully receved

No need for a visa if you go to the Ukraine - if you have an EU passport. I know coz I'm off there on wednesday.

This site has plenty of info on visas and driving etc. in Russia:-

www.waytorussia.net

Tony