Putin Signs Order Letting State Seize Poorly Protected Critical Infrastructure
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree granting the government power to take control of critical infrastructure sites deemed inadequately protected against Ukrainian strikes. The move follows a summer of intensified Ukrainian attacks on refineries and logistics warehouses.
President Vladimir Putin has signed an executive order granting the Russian government sweeping powers to take control of critically important infrastructure facilities if they are found to be inadequately protected against Ukrainian strikes or other threats.
Under the order, signed Monday, the state may assume control of the physical, financial and legal assets of facilities whose operators fail to maintain adequate security or are slow to repair damage after attacks. The powers apply broadly, covering fuel, energy, industrial, communications, transportation and commercial logistics sites considered essential to national security and economic stability.
Context
The decree comes a week after Putin instructed the government to assist in rebuilding commercial warehouses damaged in Ukrainian strikes. Since early summer, Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russian oil refineries and increasingly targeted warehouses and logistics hubs operated by major online retailers.
On Monday, Ozon, Russia's second-largest online retailer, said four of its facilities in southern Russia had been hit in Ukrainian attacks.
Reuters contributed reporting to the original account by The Moscow Times.
