Russian air defense systems in Venezuela proved ineffective during the American attack, being non-functional and disconnected.

The analysis conducted by The New York Times shows that the Russian anti-aircraft defense systems 'S-300' and 'Buk-M2' in Venezuela were not prepared to repel an American attack that took place on January 3. These systems, purchased since 2009, were not connected to radars and were not operational, with some components stored.

The American attacks specifically targeted the deployment sites of these systems, including in La Guaira and Catiya-la-Mar, where launchers and command points were destroyed. Difficulties in maintaining these complexes, caused by a lack of specialists and spare parts, were exacerbated by a possible strategy from Moscow to avoid direct conflict with Washington. Analysts emphasize that the errors in the deployment of Venezuelan forces allowed the United States to act without obstacles, and Venezuela's air defense system posed a minimal threat.