The reigning world champions received 82.36 points for hire from the judges, setting a personal record.
The second place was taken by their compatriots, two-time winners of the European championship Evgenia Tarasova and Vladimir Morozov with their best result in their careers (81.58).
The top three was closed by the third Russian pair - Alexandra Boykova and Dmitry Kozlovsky (76.26).
The duets will present their free program on January 13.
Start - 20:00 Moscow time.
Earlier it was reported that for the first time since 2001, three Russians are leading in men's singles at the European Championship after a short program.