Russia to task bankers with shooting down Ukrainian drones

A bill passed in the lower house would integrate banks into Russia’s air defenses by installing electronic jamming systems on bank premises. Selected trained employees would be authorized to shoot down incoming unmanned aircraft. The measure is intended to protect Bank of Russia facilities, including sites in newly designated constituent entities tied to four eastern Ukrainian regions that Moscow claims to have annexed. Banks would finance the installation of the equipment. The plan aims to expand air-defense coverage by leveraging the presence of banks across many towns. The bill still requires approval by the upper house and presidential signature before taking effect.

"Russian lawmakers have passed a bill to allow trained bank employees to shoot down Ukrainian drones amid an increase in the number of attacks. The draft legislation, which would see banks across Russia install electronic jamming systems while selected employees would shoot down incoming unmanned aircraft, passed in its third and final reading in the lower house Duma on Tuesday, according to the state-run TASS news agency."

"The bill says the legislation is needed to protect Bank of Russia facilities, including those located in the new constituent entities of the Russian Federation referring to the four eastern Ukrainian regions that Moscow has announced it has annexed despite not controlling them fully amid the increasing number of sabotage and terrorist attacks. Under the plan, banks would finance the installation of the equipment on their premises."

"With banks in almost every town, their incorporation into Russia's air defences could help expand its cover. According to the Interfax news agency, the bill was first presented last August and later expanded in scope. It must still be approved by the upper house Federation Council and signed by President Vladimir Putin before coming into force."

"Russia is increasingly struggling to protect its large landmass from a growing number of attacks by increasingly sophisticated Ukrainian long-range drones. As the intensity and depth of Ukrainian drone attacks have increased, Russian authorities have encouraged businesses to contribute to protective measures. Banks are not known to be a prime target, but the plan encompasses Russia's central bank and other top institutions."

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