Russian President Vladimir Putin signed Decree No. 604, enabling the state to take temporary control of private companies and critical infrastructure if authorities deem their security measures against Ukrainian drone strikes insufficient or ineffective.
Key Details of the Decree
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Covered Sectors: The order applies broadly to critical infrastructure, including fuel and energy (oil refineries, power plants, nuclear facilities), communications, utilities, manufacturing, and transport/logistics centers.
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Triggers for Intervention: State control can be enacted if owners fail to implement security measures, implement measures deemed ineffective, break security protocols, or fail to repair damaged facilities promptly.
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Execution & Mechanism: The state can take control via presidential order without court approval. Operational authority is transferred to state agencies like Rosimushchestvo (Federal Agency for State Property Management). While owners retain formal title without the right to sell, they lose management and financial control indefinitely.
Context & Background
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Escalating Drone Campaign: The decree comes during a surge in Ukrainian long-range strikes targeting Russian energy and commercial infrastructure. Ukrainian drones hit Russian oil refineries at least 194 times in the first half of 2026—an elevenfold increase compared to the same period in 2025.
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Impact on E-Commerce: Strategic logistics nodes have also been targeted, including major Wildberries and Ozon fulfillment centers across multiple regions.
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Financial Burden: Analysts note that the measure aims to force private companies to finance their own air defense systems and rapid repairs rather than relying on state protection or abandoning damaged assets.
