How many times = How often
How many times have been to Russia? = How often have you been to Russia?
Another way 'times' is used is in calculations:
Two times two equals four = 2x2=4
And there are some other uses:
I've just read the New York Times (a newspaper).
Times refers to a condition at present in this case. Other examples:
"Times have surely changed." --> Things these days are different from what they used to be.