Perhaps it would help to have certain "code gestures" between you & R when you're out & about (ie. "when I'm dancing with a strange man & give you a peck on the cheek, it means 'please rescue me from this scary drunk man'"). I often do the "code" thing when I'm out with friends or my fella, and it really helps to steer away from awkward social situations.

Sounds like you did rather well in handling the crazy drunken Russians, nonetheless.. I am always impressed when someone stands her ground in such a graceful way.