Russia Authorizes Central Bank and Sberbank to Counter Drone Attacks

On May 27, 2026, Russia enacted legislation enabling the central bank and key financial institutions, including Sberbank, to operate defense systems and arm personnel to deter drone assaults without the involvement of special forces. This decision comes in light of persistent drone strikes from Ukraine, targeting Russian infrastructure since the onset of the invasion in February 2022. The legislation states that drone defense systems will be established near the central bank and Sberbank, with personnel given permission to be armed. The costs associated with these defense measures will be borne by the institutions themselves, according to Anatoly Aksakov, the head of the State Duma's financial committee. Additionally, Alexander Shokhin, chairman of Russia's leading business lobby, expressed to President Vladimir Putin that companies are prepared to invest in advanced weaponry and electronic systems for the protection of their assets against drone threats. Reporting by Reuters, with contributions from Jekaterīna Golubkova in Tokyo; editing by Lincoln Feast.