Putin Decree Allows Russia to Take Control of Infrastructure Hit by Ukrainian Drones

MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree allowing the state to temporarily take control of critical infrastructure facilities that are damaged by Ukrainian drone attacks if private owners fail to adequately protect or restore them, the Associated Press reported.

The measure, signed Monday, comes as Ukraine has intensified long-range drone strikes against Russian oil refineries, industrial facilities and logistics hubs, causing disruptions and increasing pressure on businesses across the country. The war has also placed growing economic and security burdens on Russia as the conflict enters its fifth year.

The decree covers a range of strategically important facilities, including energy, industrial, communications, transportation and logistics infrastructure. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said the measure does not constitute nationalization or a change in ownership, but would allow the government to become involved in managing enterprises to address specific security concerns.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said some business owners had not devoted sufficient attention to security and protection against drone attacks. He argued that stronger measures were necessary to protect vital economic infrastructure.

Analysts said the decree could be intended to pressure private companies, particularly owners of repeatedly targeted oil refineries, to invest more heavily in repairs and anti-drone defenses. Russian political analyst Abbas Gallyamov suggested that companies may be reluctant to spend large sums rebuilding facilities that could be attacked again.

Chris Weafer, chief executive of Macro-Advisory Ltd., said the Kremlin appeared to be seeking greater responsibility from businesses for protecting their own facilities rather than relying entirely on the state for security and repairs.

The decree followed fresh Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure. Ukraine’s General Staff said its forces targeted the Afipsky oil refinery in the Krasnodar region, while Russian officials reported damage and an operational halt at the Novoshakhtinsk refinery in the Rostov region. Ukrainian authorities said the Afipsky facility had been targeted repeatedly over the past year.

The repeated attacks have increased pressure on Russia’s energy sector and contributed to wider economic challenges. Moscow has raised taxes and domestic borrowing to finance the war, while businesses affected by drone strikes have faced additional costs.

The Russian government has also proposed financial relief for Wildberries, the country’s largest online retailer, whose warehouses and associated businesses have been affected by Ukrainian drone attacks.

Putin has pledged to strengthen Russia’s air defense capabilities and called for closer coordination between military, law-enforcement and civilian agencies. Russian authorities have also taken steps to allow some businesses, including major financial institutions, to install defensive systems against drone attacks.

The latest decree underscores the growing impact of Ukraine’s long-range drone campaign on Russia’s economy and private sector, while signaling increased government involvement in protecting strategically important infrastructure.