Putin Enacts Law Allowing Seizure of Retail Warehouses Targeted by Ukrainian Drones

POLICY WIRE — Moscow, Russia — Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law permitting the seizure of retail warehouses if they become targets of Ukrainian drone attacks. This measure comes as Kyiv has increasingly targeted online retail logistics centers, accusing them of providing support to the Russian armed forces.

The new legislation, passed by the Russian parliament and signed into law by Putin, allows authorities to take control of warehouses that are deemed to be aiding the enemy. The law stipulates that warehouses can be seized if they are attacked by drones originating from Ukraine.

Ukraine has stepped up its drone attacks on Russian soil, particularly targeting logistics centers that it claims are supplying the Russian military. The Ukrainian government has released statements accusing these facilities of being complicit in the ongoing conflict by providing essential supplies to Russian forces.

In response, Russia has tightened its grip on such facilities, invoking the new law to ensure they remain under government control during times of conflict. The Kremlin has defended the measure, stating it is necessary to protect national security and ensure that resources are not misdirected to the enemy.

This development is part of a broader strategy by both Ukraine and Russia to disrupt each other’s supply chains and logistical capabilities. The conflict has seen both sides targeting critical infrastructure in an effort to gain a strategic advantage.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)