Putin signs decree allowing temporary state control of damaged infrastructure

President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Monday that authorises temporary state management of critical infrastructure when private owners do not adequately protect facilities from Ukrainian drone strikes or fail to restore them after damage. The measure covers energy assets as well as industrial, communications, transportation and logistics sites.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said business owners often neglect anti-drone safety measures and that “we must take measures, we must ensure our own safety.” Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov clarified that the decree does not constitute nationalisation, but rather state involvement 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 pressure owners of repeatedly hit oil refineries to fund repairs. Political analyst Abbas Gallyamov described it as a “tactical” step to compel owners to invest in restoration, noting that some facilities have been struck multiple times. Chris Weafer, chief executive of Macro-Advisory Ltd., said the Kremlin is trying to make companies bear the cost of their own security rather than relying on the state.

Ukrainian forces reported recent attacks on the Afipsky refinery in Krasnodar and the Novoshakhtinsk refinery in Rostov, marking the eighth and fourth strikes on those sites respectively this year. Regional governors confirmed fires and operational disruptions at both plants.

The decree comes as Russia faces broader economic challenges from the prolonged conflict, including higher taxes and increased borrowing. The government has also extended tax and insurance payment deadlines for the online retailer Wildberries and its sellers, which have been affected by repeated drone attacks on warehouses. Putin reiterated the need to improve air-defence capabilities and coordination between defence, law-enforcement and civilian agencies.