[cynwoody]

The Russian ABM system is set around Moscow. Meaning that Russia is planning on “first strike” with their ICBMs and need to protect themselves (or at least the rotten pols) from retaliation....

If you were doing a first strike, would you depend on an ABM system to protect you from the counterattack? Or would you simply head for the Urals before pressing the button?

[Strac6]

You would defend Moscow, as there would be no need to defend the ICBM bases, as their missiles would have been fired.

Also, Moscow had an extensive railroad system running underground to evacuate the Sov leadership.