You can do everything through the proper procedure and still lose out.

It takes some navigation should you be at the short end of a case opened or a chargeback initiated.

There could also be the possibility they are using a hijacked account and my PayPal was hacked with large purchases made by 2 Russian eBay accounts.

If you feel the item is going to sell locally eventually, turn the International buyer down politely explaining you don't sell Internationally.

Just saw the item is already sold. It's possibly a scam and I would cancel as already suggested by The countess.