Russia’s infrastructure is being pummeled by Ukrainian strikes. Now Putin wants to seize control of it

Key Points:

• Russian President Vladimir Putin has authorized the government to temporarily take control of private "critical infrastructure" if owners fail to protect it from escalating Ukrainian attacks, covering sectors such as fuel, energy, communications, transport, and logistics.
• The decree responds to increased Ukrainian strikes deep into Russian territory, including attacks on logistics hubs like Ozon, aiming to disrupt Moscow’s war-driven economy and causing fuel shortages for ordinary Russians.
• The government can impose "temporary administration," effectively seizing property rights and shares, if owners do not adequately secure or quickly restore critical infrastructure after attacks.
• Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov cited inadequate security measures by private owners and Western support for Kyiv as reasons for the decree, with relevant agencies tasked to identify companies at risk.
• Meanwhile, Russia continues high-speed missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, exploiting Kyiv’s shortage of US-made Patriot interceptors, which Ukraine has received only in limited numbers, according to President Zelensky.