Check out the russian section under the species. Then ask away. I can't help you with much about them. Sounds like they are real characters though. They also hibernate(brumate is what it is really called) but they don't have to. Oh, they are great escape artist.
I have two Russians but I'm still new to this species. This forum is the place to be though! They are characters for sure and the escape artist part is a biggie when you design the enclosure! I am amazed at their ability to climb corners!!! And they are smart enough to keep looking just in case you move things around