Putin decree lets Russia take control of infrastructure damaged in Ukrainian drone attacks

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree granting the Russian state authority to temporarily manage critical infrastructure facilities if their owners fail to implement adequate security measures against Ukrainian drone attacks. The decree, which took effect on August 24, 2026, allows a temporary administrator to take control of a company's assets and property, but not sell them.

The administrator gains the owner's powers but must ensure the facility's upkeep, with revenue generated from its use covering maintenance costs. The decree applies to various sectors, including fuel and energy, industry, communications, transport, logistics, and other facilities of significant importance to the country's security and economy.

However, its broad interpretation and lack of specific requirements or deadlines have left businesses uncertain about their legal obligations. Critics argue that the decree essentially forces companies to repair damage from drone attacks immediately and at any cost, without clear guidelines on how to assess "effective" security measures or determine who should bear the costs of protection.

While government agencies have considerable discretion in determining what constitutes effective security measures, private companies face significant challenges in defending their facilities against drone strikes without government permission to use drone-jamming devices. The Kremlin has defended the decree, emphasizing that it is not a form of nationalization and that temporary management is meant to be a targeted response to the threat of drone attacks on critical infrastructure.