Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree that allows the state to take temporary control of critical infrastructure facilities if their owners fail to implement or restore security measures in a timely manner. The decree, published on Monday, would permit Moscow to strip owners of physical and financial control over facilities should it be determined that they are not securing them or repairing damage quickly enough.
Under the decree, ownership powers would transfer to Russia's Federal Agency for State Property Management or another designated body, which would take responsibility for the site's safety and could conduct an inventory of its assets. The measure covers fuel and energy facilities, including nuclear power, as well as industry, communications, transport and logistics, public utilities, and other facilities deemed essential to state security and economic stability.
The decree aligns with the laws on Martial Law, Defense, and Security, and takes effect immediately upon its official publication, according to the Russian state news agency TASS. The decision stems from increasing security threats faced by Russia's critical infrastructure amid ongoing operations, TASS reported.
The move comes as Ukraine maintains an intense drone campaign against Russian infrastructure. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, but with the front line in eastern Ukraine bogged down, the conflict has become increasingly focused on drone and missile strikes.
Kyiv has found significant success in long-range drone attacks, particularly targeting Russia's energy infrastructure. These attacks have sparked fuel shortages across the country and impacted public opinion and an economy enduring increased international sanctions for close to five years, as reported by Al Jazeera.
In recent weeks, Ukrainian strikes have also hit logistics and retail infrastructure. Kyiv has struck at least two dozen warehouses belonging to Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer, destroying a significant share of its storage capacity and causing billions of dollars of damage. Ozon, Russia's second largest online retailer, said on Monday that four of its logistics hubs in southern Russia had been hit.
Russia was forced to halt operations at the Perm oil refinery, which has been hit numerous times by Ukrainian drones. An attack last week damaged key processing units, with repairs expected to take up to two weeks, adding to fuel shortages reported in several regions.
The decree's provisions apply to a broad range of facilities, including life support systems and potentially hazardous sites, according to TASS. The Russian government may assume temporary control over these sites when owners neglect security protocols or delay necessary repairs.
While the decree's stated purpose is to protect critical infrastructure, its implementation could have significant implications for facility owners and operators across Russia. The transfer of control to state bodies marks a notable expansion of government authority over key sectors of the economy.
As the conflict continues, the decree reflects Moscow's efforts to address vulnerabilities exposed by Ukraine's drone campaign. The full impact of the measure, and how it will be applied in practice, remains to be seen.