Putin grants state authority to seize poorly defended critical infrastructure

On Monday, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree that authorises the Russian government to temporarily manage critical infrastructure judged to be vulnerable to Ukrainian drone attacks. The legislation covers assets in fuel, energy, industry, communications, transport and logistics sectors, allowing the state to assume ownership rights when private operators are deemed negligent or slow to restore damaged sites. First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov clarified that the action does not constitute nationalisation and will be used only in specific security cases.

The move comes as Ukraine has intensified drone raids on Russian oil refineries and commercial warehouses, notably hitting Wildberries' storage sites since mid-July. Ozon also reported that four of its southern logistics hubs were targeted. The decree aims to ensure continuity of essential services and protect economic stability amid the heightened aerial threat.