- President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree allowing the Russian state to take temporary control of critical infrastructure deemed poorly protected from Ukrainian drone attacks.
- The decree, published on Monday, allows Moscow to strip owners of physical and financial control over facilities if they are deemed to be failing to secure them or repair damage quickly.
- The decree applies to fuel and energy facilities, as well as industry, communications, transport, logistics, and public utilities, which are essential for state security.
- Ukraine's long-range drone attacks have targeted Russian energy infrastructure, causing fuel shortages and billions in damage.
- On the same day as the decree, Ozon reported that four logistics hubs in southern Russia had been hit by Ukrainian attacks.
- Russia was forced to halt operations at the Perm oil refinery due to damage from Ukrainian drone attacks.
- Putin had previously ordered a programme to rebuild commercial warehouses damaged by Ukraine, indicating ongoing concerns about infrastructure security.
- Kyiv has attacked at least two dozen warehouses belonging to Russia’s top online retailer Wildberries, significantly impacting its storage capacity.
President Vladimir Putin has enacted a decree enabling the Russian state to seize control of critical infrastructure that is inadequately protected from Ukrainian drone attacks. This measure comes as Kyiv intensifies its strikes on Russian energy facilities and logistics hubs, leading to significant operational disruptions.
The decree allows Moscow to take over physical and financial assets of facilities deemed vulnerable, transferring ownership to Russia’s Federal Agency for State Property Management or another designated body. This includes fuel, energy, industrial, communications, and transport facilities, all critical for state security and economic stability.
Kyiv's drone attacks have notably targeted oil refineries and warehouses, resulting in fuel shortages and damaging public opinion amid ongoing international sanctions. Reports indicate that Ukraine has successfully struck at least two dozen warehouses belonging to Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer, and logistics hubs of Ozon, the second largest.48
The Perm oil refinery has also been affected, halting operations due to repeated drone strikes, with repairs expected to take up to two weeks. First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov emphasized that the decree is not a precursor to nationalization but a measure to manage security issues effectively.
Putin has also ordered the government to initiate a program to rebuild commercial warehouses damaged by Ukrainian attacks, highlighting the ongoing impact of the conflict on Russia's infrastructure and economy.7
“The decree transfers control to the Federal Agency for State Property Management, but First Deputy PM Denis Manturov insists it is not nationalisation. Kyiv has struck at least two dozen Wildberries warehouses since July 18, and Ozon reported four logistics hubs hit on Monday.”
