Putin Authorizes State Control Over Poorly Protected Infrastructure Amid Drone Attacks

Russian President Vladimir Putin has granted the state sweeping powers to seize control of critical infrastructure deemed insufficiently protected against Ukrainian drone attacks. A presidential decree signed recently empowers the state to assume temporary management of such facilities, including their physical and financial assets, if those responsible fail to meet their protection and repair obligations.

The decree specifically targets energy, industrial, communication, transport, and logistics facilities, along with others deemed vital for national security and economic stability. This measure is being implemented amid a significant escalation in Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Russia's energy sector and retail infrastructure.

In recent weeks, Ukraine has intensified its attacks on oil refineries and retail warehouses. Online retail giant Wildberries has seen a substantial portion of its storage capacity destroyed by attacks on at least twenty of its warehouses since July 18. More recently, Ozon, Russia's second-largest online retailer, reported that four of its logistics centers in southern Russia were targeted.

Putin's directive also follows his order last week for the government to initiate a program aimed at restoring commercial warehouses damaged or destroyed by Ukrainian attacks. The new decree underscores the Kremlin's concern over the vulnerability of key infrastructure to ongoing hostilities.