President Vladimir Putin has enacted a decree enabling the Russian state to assume control of critical infrastructure deemed inadequately protected against Ukrainian drone assaults and other threats, according to reports from Reuters.
This decree grants special powers for the temporary management of facilities during a period marked by an uptick in Ukrainian drone strikes targeting oil refineries and retail storage sites.
The government will have the authority to take over real estate or financial assets, along with formal ownership rights, if the managing entities are found to be failing in their duty to safeguard these infrastructures or are too slow in making necessary repairs following attacks.
This measure pertains to energy, industrial, communication, and transportation facilities, as well as other critical sites vital for ensuring the security and economic stability of the state and its citizens.
Denis Manturov, the Deputy Prime Minister, clarified that this measure should not be interpreted as a precursor to nationalization and will not be implemented extensively. “This does not imply nationalization or a change of ownership. The decree allows the state to participate in the management of a business to address specific security issues,” Manturov stated, as quoted by Interfax.
Last week, Putin directed the government to initiate a reconstruction program for large retail warehouses that have been damaged or destroyed by Ukraine in recent weeks.
Since July 18, Ukraine has attacked at least 20 warehouses belonging to Russia’s largest retailer, Wildberries. On Monday, Ozon, the second-largest retailer in Russia, reported that four of its logistics hubs had been targeted by Ukrainian drones in southern Russia.
