Putin allows temporary control of companies failing to defend against drones

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree allowing authorities to temporarily seize control of "vital infrastructure" if owners fail to adequately protect them against escalating Ukrainian drone attacks. The measure, published on the state legal information portal, cites "ineffective actions" in defending facilities or violations of security regulations as grounds for intervention.

Delays in repairing damaged facilities also serve as a reason for the state to assume temporary control. This decree comes amid a significant increase in Ukrainian drone strikes targeting rear areas within Russia. Many companies have been compelled to implement their own protective measures, such as drone nets, electronic warfare systems, and anti-aircraft weaponry, though their effectiveness is often questioned.

Notably, the Russian Finance Minister previously stated that the state does not plan to fund private companies' drone defense efforts. The e-commerce giant Wildberries has been particularly hard-hit, with seven of its major logistics centers reportedly damaged by drone attacks. Intelligence reports indicate a substantial rise in Russian commercial sector purchases of anti-drone systems, with spending increasing significantly compared to the previous year.

Companies are expanding their anti-drone equipment offerings, focusing on fixed and portable detectors, alert systems, and jamming devices for control channels and satellite navigation. Large corporations are also forming mobile response units, with each unit costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, Russian businesses, especially in the oil sector, face bureaucratic hurdles, requiring multiple authorizations from entities like the Ministry of Defense and the Prosecutor's Office before installing protective systems.