Russia has enacted a new law enabling its central bank, Sberbank, and the Russian Cash Collection Association to operate drone defense systems and arm personnel without relying on military or special forces. The move comes amid frequent Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Russian energy and financial infrastructure since the 2022 invasion. These institutions will now install defense systems on-site and bear the costs themselves, reflecting a growing reliance on private entities to safeguard critical assets. The decision follows broader calls from business leaders, including Alexander Shokhin of Russia’s main business lobby, who told President Putin that companies are ready to fund heavier weapons and electronic countermeasures. This marks a significant shift in civil-military responsibility during wartime.

The law underscores how drone warfare has expanded beyond traditional battlefields, now directly impacting financial and economic hubs. By decentralizing defense authority, Russia is adapting to persistent asymmetric threats but also raising questions about the militarization of civilian institutions. Sberbank, as the country’s largest bank, plays a central role in this new arrangement, highlighting the intersection of finance, security, and national defense.

Ukraine has increasingly used drones to disrupt Russian operations and revenue streams, particularly targeting energy facilities that fund the war effort. Russia’s response signals a structural change in how it protects high-value non-military sites. As drone attacks evolve in frequency and sophistication, other nations may watch this model closely—though it also sets a precedent for private entities taking on combat-adjacent roles during conflict.