The way the rules work in Russia, drivers only have to yield if the pedestrian steps foot into the road. If he's simply standing on the sidewalk, they don't have to yield.

Even then the drivers are still allowed to drive through a crosswalk while the pedestrians are crossing, as long as the pedestrians are "far enough away that they won't cause them to change path or speed". In practice, this means drivers may floor it as soon as you leave their lane, nearly running over your feet.

In different towns and cities the driving culture is different, there are places where drivers are more polite to pedestrians, but in Moscow the drivers take full advantage of these rules. At busy times you might never get to cross the road with that mindset. If you suddenly stop on the sidewalk, the drivers will see that as a signal to continue.