Putin decree lets Russia take control of infrastructure damaged in Ukrainian drone attacks

Russian President Vladimir Putin has decreed that the state can temporarily seize control of critical infrastructure facilities if private owners fail to protect them from Ukrainian drone attacks or rebuild them after the strikes.

What happened

For context, the move came Monday against the backdrop of growing economic pressure and public frustration being felt in Russia after months of escalating Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries and e-commerce hubs that have caused nationwide disruptions.

Ukraine additionally is reeling from relentless aerial attacks that have smashed its power grid ahead of winter and heavily damaged homes as Russia's invasion stretches into its fifth year.

The bottom line

Taken together, the developments around putin decree lets Russia take control of infrastructure damaged in Ukrainian drone point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.