Ukrainian Drone Attacks Prompt New Measures in Russia, Putin Authorizes State to Temporarily Take Control of Businesses

Vladimir Putin has approved new powers for the Russian state, paving the way for the temporary takeover of the operations of companies and facilities deemed insufficiently protected against Ukrainian drones and other threats.

The decision, included in a presidential decree, gives authorities the option to temporarily manage these businesses at a time when Ukraine has stepped up strikes on oil refineries, depots and other strategic infrastructure in Russia.

According to the document, the state may take over material and financial assets, along with ownership rights, if it is found that the responsible companies have failed to ensure the protection of facilities or delayed repairing damage caused by attacks.

The measures cover several sectors, including industry, fuel and energy, telecommunications, public services, supply chains and transport. Facilities classified as “critical” or “potentially dangerous” are also included in this category.

The decree was published at a time when drone attacks on infrastructure and economic facilities on Russian territory have grown in scale.

Last week, Putin instructed the government to launch a programme to rebuild commercial warehouses that have been damaged or destroyed by Ukrainian attacks in recent weeks.

Since July 18, Kyiv has struck at least two dozen warehouses owned by Russian online retail giant Wildberries, affecting a significant portion of its storage capacity.

Ozon, one of Russia’s largest online retail companies, also said that Ukrainian attacks had hit four of its distribution centres in the south of the country.