Same for me
3 times I got Russin business visa without been there the year before.
And the first time I was never in Russia before.

No problem at all.
Got in in Austria from a visa agency.

The Russian Emabassy in Brussels and the connected visa-central gave us other information. We had applied for multi-entry 1yr business visa, but were given only double entry 90 days business visa. Their explanation from both was that it was because we hadn't visited Russia before. Since we didn't need more at the time I didn't push the subject.

I know many who got the 1 year multi entry for the first time. In different countries.

The point is, when you go to the embassy and their visa center, thats what happens.

This is why it is always smart to pay a little bit more and use a good visa agency.
When they can organise the invitation from FMS, you get a Multi entry business visa for the first time.

I am also currently applying for a 1 year, multiple entry visa ( but valid for 3 months in Russia). French passport.
I was about to do it on my own as usual but a short call to my local Russian consulate/affiliated visa office really put me off...
To play it safe I decided to go through a reliable private visa agency. More expensive but they know their stuff.
I went to Russia for one month on a regular tourist visa 3 years ago but the agency said it didn't matter.
Nor did the fact that I had never gotten a business visa prior to this one. They took care of the invitation and even of the insurance.
L.