What a load of crap...
"If I am flying to another country through Moscow do I need a transit visa?
Yes, you do. You should apply for a transit visa to the Russian Consulate showing them your air tickets to and from Moscow. They will issue your transit visa on the grounds of your tickets. Please note that a transit visa can be valid for up to 72 hours."
From
http://www.russianvisa.org/faq.html#11
I found an itinerary with under 12 hours on the ground, but still to need a visa...?!
I can assure you that citizens of Russia (and China, and Brazil and ...) experience similar "load of crap" and then some every time they consider transiting US.