The Pantsir-S1, S-300, S-400, Buk-M2 and Tor systems are extremely capable defensive weapons systems which were designed to take out, among other targets, cruise missiles.

According to Russian state outlet Pravda, it was not a matter of the inability of the Russian system to measure up to the challenge of intercepting the American missiles as much as it was a recognition that shooting down American missiles would have been the act which engaged Russia in direct conflict with the United States. They claim that the decision was made to allow the missiles to strike their targets, having been given the opportunity to remove personnel and minimize casualties, and make a decision as to a response at a later time.