Putin signs decree allowing state takeover of drone-hit infrastructure
Russia's president has signed a decree permitting temporary state control of critical facilities if owners fail to protect them from drone attacks.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree enabling the state to temporarily take control of critical infrastructure if private owners fail to shield it from Ukrainian drone strikes or rebuild it after attacks. The measure, announced on Monday, comes as repeated Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries and e-commerce hubs have caused nationwide disruptions and heightened public frustration.
The decree applies to energy, industrial, communications, transportation, and logistics facilities. Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said the move does not amount to nationalization or a change of ownership, but rather involves the state in managing an enterprise to address specific security concerns. He added that the measure would not be used widely and that decisions would be made carefully at the highest level.
Analysts say the Kremlin is aiming to shift the financial burden of security onto private companies. Chris Weafer, CEO of Macro-Advisory Ltd., said the decree is an effort to force businesses to spend their own money on protection instead of relying on the state. He noted that the government has been spreading the costs of the conflict across the private sector, citing examples such as billionaires making voluntary budget contributions and oil companies being pressed to keep fuel prices down.
The move follows high-profile drone attacks on distribution centers of major online retailers, including Wildberries and Ozon, which have caused visible damage and public concern. The government is also offering financial relief to Wildberries and its sellers by extending tax and insurance deadlines.
Earlier this year, Russian lawmakers approved legislation allowing the Central Bank and state-controlled financial institutions to install air defenses on their premises. Reports have also indicated that a mechanism exists for businesses to procure weapons and equipment for self-protection, a step officials have encouraged.
As the conflict enters its fifth year, Ukraine continues to face relentless aerial attacks that have crippled its power grid and damaged homes. The decree is part of Russia's broader effort to manage the economic strain of the war while pushing private enterprises to take greater responsibility for their own security.