Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that the state could seize the assets of private companies if they fail to prevent Ukrainian drone attacks on critical infrastructure. Putin announced that the government can take temporary control of facilities if private owners do not adequately protect them.
This warning comes as Ukraine has intensified its drone strikes targeting Russian ports, oil refineries, and e-commerce facilities in recent months. These attacks have caused significant disruption to the Russian economy. In response, Putin has directed companies in the energy, industrial, communications, and transport sectors that their assets are at risk if they do not take sufficient security measures.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on Tuesday that business owners often do not pay enough attention to anti-drone safety. He emphasized the necessity of taking measures to ensure security amid the threat of continued drone attacks on vital infrastructure.
Recent weeks have seen a notable increase in drone attacks on e-commerce companies. Over the past four days, Ukraine has targeted six e-commerce facilities operated by Ozon, leading to a nearly 30 percent drop in the company's shares on Monday. Additionally, 20 e-commerce sites run by Wildberries have also been impacted by prior drone strikes.
Political analyst Abbas Gallyamov, a former speechwriter for Putin, noted on Telegram that business owners now face a dual threat: not only Ukrainian drone strikes but also the potential seizure of their assets by the state for failing to protect them. He expressed skepticism about the impact on the investment climate, suggesting that companies are reluctant to invest in repairs given the ongoing attacks.
However, the Kremlin has sought to temper concerns about the extent of these new powers. First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov clarified that the decree does not signify nationalization or a change of ownership. Instead, he explained, the powers are intended to allow state involvement in enterprise management to address specific security issues. Manturov added that the decree is not for widespread application and that decisions would be made on a targeted and considered basis at the highest level.
The threat of asset seizure follows recent Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries. On Tuesday, Ukraine's general staff reported striking Russia's Afipsky oil refinery in the Krasnodar region, causing a fire. Drones also damaged the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region, halting its operations. Data indicates that the Afipsky refinery has been targeted eight times in the past year, while the Novoshakhtinsk site has been hit four times.