Overview
- Under the bill, Bank of Russia and Rosinkas personnel protecting cash, valuables and Central Bank sites could disrupt or destroy airborne, surface and underwater unmanned vehicles, including by jamming controls or damaging devices.
- The proposal cites a rise in sabotage and terrorist attacks using drones during the so-called special military operation as the reason for expanding protective powers.
- The cabinet’s review backs the concept on the condition of refinements and suggests similar authorities for Sberbank staff and Special Communications Service employees, with procedures to be set by the government and the Digital Development Ministry respectively.
- The profile committee will prepare the text for a second reading, while the Central Bank would set internal procedures for implementing the new powers.
- Separately, lawmakers led by Anatoly Aksakov filed a package to strengthen enforcement against insider trading and market manipulation, adding insider deal notifications, ‘closed periods,’ broader Central Bank oversight, higher fines and updated criminal thresholds, and the Duma is also set to consider a resolution seeking a response plan if the EU moves to seize Russian assets.