Especially on an initial meeting, it would be extremely rare for me to initiate a handshake with a lady anywhere in my travels, including Russia. I was taught to permit them the opportunity to first extend their hand. If they do not, then a short inclination of the head on my part, followed by "How do you do?" (or the local formal equivalent thereof), followed by her name/title. (Of course, I am certain that there are other introductory variations both in/outside the western world/culture depending on the circumstances.) AP