Putin signs decree for state control of vulnerable infrastructure

President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree allowing the Russian state to assume temporary control of critical infrastructure facilities deemed inadequately protected from Ukrainian attacks, in a move that expands government authority over the economy amid the ongoing war. The decree, signed on August 24, 2026, provides a legal mechanism for the state to take over the physical assets, financial holdings, and management of facilities in sectors including fuel, energy, industry, communications, transport, and logistics. The action follows weeks of intensified Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Russian energy and commercial infrastructure.