Russia Lets Banks Fight Back Against Drones

Russia has adopted a new law that allows its central bank and major banks to set up defense systems and arm employees so they can stop drone attacks without involving military forces.
The law, approved by the lower house of parliament, is a response to the frequent drone strikes launched from Ukraine against Russian infrastructure since the full‑scale invasion began in February 2022. The strikes mainly target energy facilities, aiming to cut off revenue streams for the Russian war effort.

Key Provisions

• Defense Equipment Placement
• Near key financial institutions, including the Central Bank, Sberbank (Russia’s largest commercial bank), and the Russian Cash Collection Association.
• Armed Employees
• Staff at these sites will be allowed to carry weapons.
• Funding Responsibility
• Institutions themselves will cover the costs of installing and maintaining anti‑drone systems, according to Anatoly Aksakov, head of the financial committee in the State Duma.