Rubin's Argentine defender Cristian Ansaldi opened the scoring with his first goal of the season, finishing off a strong run into the box with a well-placed shot into the bottom corner.
Krilya, who were in sixth going into the weekend's games and looking to claim a place in Europe, were unconvincing throughout, with their static midfield showing a marked reluctance to get back and help out the defense.
A goal straight after the break by Alexander Bukharov, who had had an effort ruled out for offside in the first half, was followed by a well-taken third from Ecuadorian striker Christian Fernando Noboa in the 66th minute.
The victory means that Rubin are now 10 points clear of second-placed side CSKA Moscow, who have a game in hand. That match is on Monday away to third-placed Dynamo Moscow. If CSKA lose, then a win for Rubin in their next fixture, away to Moscow Region side Saturn on November 2, will mean the title heads to the republic of Tatarstan in the year that the club marks its 50th anniversary.
If they do clinch the title it will be only the third time, after Alania Vladikavkaz in 1995 and Zenit St. Petersburg last year, that a team from outside Moscow has won the Russian championship.
In other results on Saturday, Moscow Region side Khimki moved clear of the relegation zone by beating fellow strugglers Luch-Energiya 3-1.
Danish soccer legend Michael Laudrup, who recently took over as trainer of the perennial 1990s Russian champions, Spartak Moscow, saw his new side record a 3-1 win over Terek Grozny in the capital to move up to fifth, above Krilya and Zenit.
Zenit have two games in hand on Spartak however. They play Tom Tomsk in Siberia on October 26.
For the first time this year, the top three teams in the Russian Premier League will qualify for the 2009-2010 Champions League. The top two clubs will go straight into the group stages, with the third-placed team starting in the second qualifying round. The fourth- and fifth-placed teams will enter the UEFA Cup, while the bottom two sides are relegated.
