You are not very familiar with the Russian culture, are you?
We as a society do NOT trust in banks, it is US banks fault, it is the old Russian banks fault - they used to go bankrupt and all your money would disappear. People would keep all their money with them or at their house. I would carry several paycheck worth with me, 1k+ when I first started working construction at the age of 16. Even when 500 bucks disappears out of your waller, because someone STOLE IT its simply disappointing. With CC's though, they give it back to you. That's why I use them.
If someone robs my house, they will not get any cash, which is really uncharacteristic of Russian people. When we bought our house the Realtor thought my mother was going to pay in cash, because his previous Russian customers did so... now think about losing that much money if you are robbed. CC > cash
