I can't login to Mists of Pandaria

I can play on the World of Warcraft 3.3.5a server without any issues, but I'm unable to log in to the Mists of Pandaria server using the same account. I've followed all the instructions, downloaded the game client, and started the game using WoW.exe. I'm currently stuck at the 'connecting' stage.

Experiencing the same issue, followed steps in this thread too
https://forum.warmane.com/showthread.php?t=402228
AND this thread
https://forum.warmane.com/showthread.php?t=414488
and nothing works

Found the solution
change the realmlist in the config file from .RU to
SET realmlist "logon.warmane.com"