R5, along with R6, c1, and pulses from v2 make up the bias voltage on the base of Q1. R5 and R6 act as a voltage divider.
R5 puts about 5 volts on the base of Q1 minus the voltage drop across it. R6 couples pulses from V2 to C1 which also biases Q1. The two sources add to produce final bias. If you remove R5, it should change the frequency but it will not turn Q1 off. You would need to remove R5 and R6 to turn off Q1 and stop the multivibrator from oscillating.
I hope this helps.