Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree allowing the state to take control of “critical infrastructure” amid ongoing attacks by Ukraine.
Putin signed the decree on Monday, 24th August, authorizing the Russian government to temporarily run key infrastructure sites across the country that have been subjected to drone assaults by Kyiv.
In recent months, Ukraine has targeted oil and gas refineries, as well as transport, communications and logistics facilities in a bid to disrupt the Russian war effort, subsequently bringing the conflict close to home for everyday Russians.
Aerial Assaults Continuing
With Russia making incremental gains in Ukraine’s east, Kyiv has increased its assaults on Russian assets over the past year.
This appears to be a multi-pronged strategy. Energy infrastructure, for example, plays a key role in Russia’s war effort. In the face of heavy international sanctions, Russia continues to trade with several states, providing cheap oil and gas to fund its ongoing war. Ukraine has targeted refineries, including the Afipsky refinery in the Krasnodar region as recently as Monday – a facility that produces more than 2% of Russia’s crude oil, located less than 400km from the frontline. Two people were killed, and two more were injured due to falling drone debris, according to regional Governor Veniamin Kondratyev.
These attacks are also doing more than hampering Russia’s economy. Transport and communication facilities are also among the sites that have been targeted, disrupting Russian supply lines as Moscow races to resupply heavy losses in eastern Ukraine.
Ukraine Drone. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
There is also the factor of bringing the war — which many once expected to be confined to the borders of Ukraine — home to the Russian people.
Logistics factories including Wildberries, Russia’s largest online retailer, have been subject to aerial assaults in recent months.
This strategy has seen morale plummet in Russia as the country faces fuel shortages and disruption to everyday life – notwithstanding the loss of loved ones in a war well into its fifth year.
With Ukraine producing hundreds of cheap, replaceable drones daily, it’s unlikely the drone campaign will end anytime soon. A temporary pause was implemented on Tuesday during CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s surprise visit to Moscow, but attacks have since continued.
A Decree Against the Drones
On Monday, Putin signed a decree authorizing the temporary takeover of facilities that have been targeted by Ukraine.
The measures were introduced “in connection with the growing threats to the security of critical infrastructure facilities of the Russian Federation.”
Facility owners who cannot guarantee the “security” of such facilities will have ownership temporarily transferred to the Russian government.
Sites which do not return to normal operations quickly enough following drone attacks will also be placed into “temporary administration”.
Not Nationalization
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified to reporters on Tuesday, 25th August, that the measures were not nationalization of facilities targeted by Ukraine.
“Quite often, the owners of enterprises do not pay proper attention to taking measures to ensure security, anti-drone security,” Peskov said, adding that Moscow “must take measures to ensure our own security” in the midst of continued Western support for Kyiv. “Wherever security measures are not being taken in critical areas, corresponding proposals will be submitted,” he continued, noting that impacted businesses would be assessed by the government and relevant agencies.
Patriots a Concern for Kyiv
Much like the Ukrainians, Russia has also targeted its enemy with aerial assaults, both with drones and missile attacks.
The latter has proved particularly problematic for Ukraine due to the country’s shortage of Patriot air defense interceptors.
Kyiv has less than 60% of the Patriot missiles it had in 2023 – missiles that are made by the United States and have been used to prevent attacks by Russia over the course of the year.
To combat dwindling stocks, Ukraine has sought licenses to build air defense missiles currently produced by other countries.
The United Kingdom has agreed to share classified blueprints for the production of SCALP cruise missiles in Ukraine, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Tuesday that his country will receive a number of Crotale air defense systems to combat the Russian aerial threat.
Russia continues to attack Ukraine with 162 drones sent westwards overnight – 134 of which were reportedly shot down.
Targets have long extended beyond key military infrastructure, with Russia also targeting civilian gas stations. Since the campaign began in April, at least 246 filling stations have been struck.
About the Author: Shay Bottomley
Shay Bottomley is a British journalist. He has written for the Western Standard, Business Insider, Maidenhead Advertiser, Slough Express, Windsor Express, Berkshire Live and Southend Echo.
