Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree granting the state the authority to temporarily seize control of critical infrastructure facilities. This move applies if private owners fail to protect these sites from Ukrainian drone attacks or neglect to rebuild them following strikes.
Economic Pressures and Mounting Strikes
The announcement on Monday follows escalating Ukrainian drone strikes targeting oil refineries and e-commerce hubs across Russia. These attacks have caused widespread nationwide disruptions, compounding economic pressures and public frustration.
Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to suffer from relentless aerial bombardment destroying its power grid ahead of winter. This conflict persists as Russia‘s invasion extends into its fifth year.
Official Stance on State Management
The decree encompasses vital sectors including energy infrastructure, industrial plants, communications, transportation, and logistics. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Tuesday that “often business owners do not pay enough attention to taking measures to ensure safety, anti-drone safety.”
Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov emphasized that the measure does not constitute nationalization or a change in ownership. Instead, it involves “involvement of the state in the management of an enterprise to solve specific security problems.”
Ultimatum to Private Business Owners
Political analyst Abbas Gallyamov suggested the decree acts as a tactical ultimatum forcing reluctant owners to repair damaged assets. He noted via Telegram, “Given the fact that the same refinery has already been hit three to five times, it’s safe to assume that the owners are now reluctant to invest in restoring what’s been destroyed.”
Recent overnight strikes by Ukraine hit the Afipsky oil refinery in the Krasnodar region, according to the Ukrainian General Staff and regional Governor Veniamin Kondratyev. Another Ukrainian attack halted operations at the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region, confirmed by Governor Yuri Slyusar.
