Putin Seizes Power to Take Over Russia’s Critical Infrastructure After Ukrainian Strikes

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree that allows the government to temporarily take control of “critical infrastructure” across the country if private owners fail to protect it from Ukrainian attacks. The move comes as both Moscow and Kyiv escalate their air campaigns. Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russian territory have caused fuel shortages and damage to key facilities, prompting the Kremlin to tighten its grip on essential services. Under the new measure, the state can step in and manage private assets—such as energy plants, fuel depots, and transport hubs—if owners are deemed unable to secure them against ongoing drone and missile strikes. The decree does not specify which exact facilities will be affected, but it signals growing concern in Moscow about the vulnerability of Russia’s domestic infrastructure. This is the latest step in a broader pattern: as Ukraine’s long-range attacks become more frequent and effective, Putin is moving to centralize control to ensure stability—even if it means overriding private ownership rights. The full scope of the decree remains unclear, but analysts say it could give the Russian state sweeping powers over vital industries in regions closest to the fighting.