Putin Signs Decree Enabling State Seizure of Vulnerable Infrastructure Amid Ukrainian Drone Onslaught

President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree paving the way for the Russian state to assume temporary control over critical infrastructure deemed inadequately protected against attacks. Published on Monday, the legislation empowers Moscow to strip owners of physical and financial authority over facilities if authorities determine they are failing to secure them or properly repair damage.

This development unfolds as Ukraine sustains an intensive drone campaign targeting Russian infrastructure. Under the new decree, ownership powers will shift to Russia’s Federal Agency for State Property Management or another designated entity, which will oversee site safety and conduct asset inventories. The policy encompasses fuel and energy facilities, including nuclear power, alongside industry, communications, transport and logistics, public utilities, and other installations vital to state security and economic stability.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the frontline in eastern Ukraine has largely bogged down, shifting the conflict's focus toward drone and missile strikes. Kyiv has achieved notable success with long-range drone assaults, particularly targeting energy infrastructure. These operations have triggered domestic fuel shortages, impacted public opinion, and strained an economy already navigating years of international sanctions.

Additionally, Kyiv has struck at least two dozen warehouses belonging to Wildberries, Russia’s largest online retailer, destroying substantial storage capacity and causing billions of dollars in damages nationwide. Meanwhile, Ozon, Russia’s second-largest online retailer, reported on Monday that four of its logistics hubs in southern Russia were hit. Operations were also halted at the Perm oil refinery following repeated Ukrainian drone strikes that damaged key processing units, with repairs projected to take up to two weeks and further exacerbating regional fuel shortages.