Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree giving the government powers to temporarily take control of “critical infrastructure” across the country, if private owners fail to protect it from escalating Ukrainian attacks.
The new measure comes as Moscow and Kyiv ramp up their air campaigns, with Ukrainian strikes deep into Russian territory sparking fuel shortages and bringing the war closer to home for ordinary Russians.
Kyiv has stepped up attacks in recent days on Ozon logistics hubs in Russia – a competitor to the frequently targeted e-commerce giant Wildberries – as it seeks to undermine Moscow’s war-driven economy. The decree, which came into force on Monday, says the new measures are being introduced “in connection with the growing threats to the security of critical infrastructure facilities of the Russian Federation.”
It covers a raft of sectors, according to the decree, including fuel and energy infrastructure, communications, transport and logistics facilities, among others.
If owners do not take sufficient steps to ensure the “security” of such facilities or restore their functioning quickly enough after attacks, the government can decide to implement “temporary administration,” the decree states. This effectively hands the Russian state control of the owner’s property, property rights and shares.
