I think it's true. Lot of snow, coldness, bears, people, on theirs heads caps with ear-flaps.
Mafia, I've seen on TV. Vodka and very nice girls? Vodka, I think it's a part of russian life stile.
And beautiful, russian girls? Look into your mirror and you will get the answer :-).
I think, russian girls are very pretty; it's also true.