Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Monday that grants the state the authority to assume temporary administration of “critical infrastructure” when private owners do not adequately protect or promptly restore such facilities after attacks.
The measure comes as Ukrainian drone strikes have intensified, targeting logistics hubs, fuel depots and energy sites deep inside Russia. The attacks have caused fuel shortages and brought the war closer to ordinary Russian citizens.
Scope of the decree
The decree lists several sectors, including fuel and energy infrastructure, communications, transport and logistics facilities. If owners fail to take sufficient security steps or to restore operations quickly after an attack, the government may step in, taking control of the property, its rights and shares.
Kremlin response
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said owners often neglect proper anti‑drone security measures. He also cited Western support for Kyiv as another reason Moscow must act to “ensure our own security.” When asked which companies could be affected, Peskov said the government and relevant agencies would analyze each case and submit proposals where security measures are lacking.
Ukrainian counter‑actions
Ukraine has stepped up attacks on Russian logistics hubs, including those operated by Ozon, a competitor to the frequently targeted e‑commerce giant Wildberries. Kyiv’s strikes aim to undermine Russia’s war‑driven economy.
Russia, in turn, has launched high‑speed missile attacks across Ukraine, exploiting a shortage of U.S.-made Patriot air‑defense interceptors. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Kyiv received a small number of Patriot missiles but said more are needed.
Regional implications
The decree underscores the growing vulnerability of Russia’s critical infrastructure to aerial attacks and highlights the broader strategic contest between Moscow and Kyiv. It also raises questions about the future role of private owners in national security and the extent of state intervention in the economy.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
