Kathmandu— President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree enabling the Russian state to temporarily seize control of critical infrastructure if owners are found to be failing in their duty to protect it or repair damage resulting from ongoing attacks by Ukraine. The move, published Monday, comes as Kyiv intensifies its drone campaign targeting Russian facilities, creating economic and societal challenges for Moscow. The legislation covers a broad range of sectors essential to Russia’s state security and economic stability, including fuel, energy, transport, communications, and public utilities.

Expanded Powers for State Control

Under the new decree, ownership powers over vulnerable facilities will transfer to Russia's Federal Agency for State Property Management or another designated body. This entity would then be responsible for ensuring the site’s safety and conducting a full inventory of its assets. The legislation allows Moscow to strip owners of both physical and financial control, signaling a significant escalation in state intervention regarding national security.

Ukraine's Disruptive Drone Campaign

Kyiv has achieved considerable success with long-range drone attacks, particularly targeting Russia’s energy infrastructure. These strikes have resulted in fuel shortages across the country and are impacting public opinion as well as an economy already strained by nearly five years of international sanctions. Beyond energy facilities, Ukraine has also targeted key commercial entities such as Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer, damaging at least two dozen warehouses and causing billions of dollars in damage.

Recent Disruptions to Key Facilities

Ozon, the second-largest Russian online retailer, reported Monday that four of its logistics hubs in southern Russia had been hit. Simultaneously, operations were halted at the Perm oil refinery – a major processing plant – following repeated drone attacks. Industry sources indicate repairs to damaged units are expected to take up to two weeks, exacerbating existing fuel shortages in several regions.

The decree signals a heightened state of alert within Russia and an attempt to mitigate the growing impact of Ukrainian strikes on its critical infrastructure. It remains to be seen how broadly these powers will be applied and what the long-term implications will be for private ownership.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.