(Kremlin): We face a direct threat to critical infrastructure
Moscow, August 25 (KUNA) -- The Russian presidency (the Kremlin) stated on Tuesday that Russia faces a “direct and clear threat” of drone attacks targeting critical infrastructure, while reiterating its commitment to a peaceful settlement in Ukraine. Russian news agency RIA Novosti quoted Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov in a press statement confirming that the recent Presidential Decree No. 604 on the security of critical infrastructure facilities aims to ensure the protection of institutions from drones.
Peskov noted that Russia “will take decisive measures” to safeguard its national security, adding that the Donbas region is “an inseparable part of Russia,” and therefore no third party can assume control over “Russian” areas, in reference to the idea of establishing a “buffer zone.” He further stated that deploying North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military units in Ukraine is “unacceptable,” characterizing the West’s continued approach toward Moscow as “hostile and hardline.”
Peskov criticized the positions of Finnish President Alexander Stubb and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accusing them of pursuing an escalatory agenda by seeking to prolong the conflict in Ukraine and “mislead voters.” Regarding reports of a potential arrival of a U.S. Air Force transport aircraft in Moscow, Peskov said he had no information on the matter.
Peskov reaffirmed the Kremlin’s stance that Russia remains open to a peaceful settlement in Ukraine, noting that Russia will continue its “special military operation” in the absence of other resolution avenues. On August 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed Decree No. 604 concerning measures to ensure the security of critical infrastructure facilities in Russia, citing “increasing threats” facing these facilities during the military operation in Ukraine.
According to the decree, critical infrastructure includes facilities in the fuel and energy sectors, industrial plants, communications, municipal services, transport, and logistics, including logistics complexes, as well as energy facilities, including nuclear energy, life-support systems, and other facilities of special importance to Russia’s security, economic stability, and the well-being of its population.
For its part, the Russian newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta reported that the decree comes amid rising security threats, noting that logistics centers and facilities in the fuel, energy, industry, communications, housing, and public utilities sectors have come under the scope of the new measures. (End) D.A.N./F.S.
