Quote Originally Posted by Throbert McGee View Post
ЗЗЫ: But, as far as I know, some Russians will use "москаль" in an ironically positive way....
Yes. Initially offensive it also become ironic. It is prohibited in official speech for example. Sort of slang.
For example, I lived several years ago in nothern city of Russia, where many immigrants from Ukraine and Belorussia exists.
There were approximately 50% of russians, 40% of ukranians and 10% of belorussians on friendly gatherings of mine.
It was usual to jokingly exclaim "хохлы пошли в атаку!" and laugh if some dispute arise from ukranian side and "москали совсем оборзели" from over side. Jokingly of course.