Putin issues decree opening door to state control of key sites after deep Ukrainian drone strikes

First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov clarified that President Vladimir Putin's recently signed decree does not entail nationalization or any alteration in the ownership structure of state-owned companies. Manturov stated that the decree merely empowers the government to assume temporary management of critical infrastructure facilities whose owners have not adequately safeguarded them against potential threats, such as drone attacks.

He emphasized that the decision to take over these businesses would be made judiciously and at the highest echelons of authority. Manturov further noted that both private and state-owned companies play a vital role in the Russian economy and society, although he lamented that some business owners demonstrate little concern for security matters.

In cases where owners fail to address security concerns or show little willingness to cooperate, federal agencies will collaborate with the owners to resolve the issues. However, if owners remain unresponsive or unwilling to cooperate, the state may assume full responsibility for protecting the affected facilities from potential threats.

The decree applies to facilities within the fuel and energy sector, power generation, industry, communications, utilities, transportation and logistics, as well as other facilities deemed crucial for the security and economic stability of the Russian Federation.