Putin signs decree allowing state control of critical infrastructure after drone attacks

President Vladimir Putin signed a decree that authorises the Russian government to temporarily assume control of critical infrastructure when private owners do not adequately protect it from Ukrainian drone attacks or fail to rebuild damaged assets. The measure covers sectors such as energy, fuel, industrial, communications, transport and logistics facilities.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that business owners often neglect safety measures against drones and that the state must act to ensure security. > "Often business owners do not pay enough attention to taking measures to ensure safety, anti-drone safety," Peskov said.

Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov emphasized that the decree does not constitute nationalisation, but rather state involvement in management to resolve specific security problems, and that decisions will be made at the highest level on a case-by-case basis.

Analysts suggest the decree is intended to compel owners of repeatedly damaged oil refineries to finance repairs. Political analyst Abbas Gallyamov warned that owners may be reluctant to invest in facilities that could be hit again and indicated that the state could take over such enterprises if they do not fund restoration.

Recent Ukrainian strikes have hit the Afipsky refinery in Krasnodar and the Novoshakhtinsk refinery in Rostov, causing fires and halting operations. The Kremlin has also extended tax and insurance payment deadlines for major online retailer Wildberries and its sellers, who were affected by attacks on warehouses.

In a televised address, Putin called for improvements to Russia’s air-defence system and greater coordination between defence, law-enforcement and civilian agencies, as well as the involvement of state-run enterprises and private businesses in enhancing security.