Putin signs decree allowing state seizure of businesses hit by drone strikes

Russian leader Vladimir Putin signed a decree on 24 August under which critical infrastructure facilities whose owners fail to ensure their security may be placed under temporary state management by government decision.

Ukraine also is reeling from relentless aerial attacks that have smashed its power grid ahead of winter and heavily damaged homes as Russia’s invasion stretches into its fifth year.

A decree published Monday gives Russia’s Federal Agency for State Property Management extensive powers to seize industrial sites if their owners have failed to take protective measures against uncrewed aerial vehicles, among other risks.

The move comes as Ukraine maintains an intense drone campaign against Russian infrastructure.