The press secretary for the President of Russia commented on a proposal to ban the use of drones on May 9. The idea was presented to the State Duma for consideration. The spokesperson made clear that the decision to implement such a ban would not rest with the administration; instead, it should be handled by the nation’s security and intelligence services. This stance emphasizes a cautious approach, prioritizing expert analysis over hasty statutory measures.
In the meantime, the region of Tver took a precautionary step. The local government prohibited unauthorized use of unmanned aerial vehicles within its borders until May 15 of the current year. The move reflects ongoing concerns about drone activity near critical sites and the desire to maintain public order while broader policy is debated in Moscow.
Earlier this year, on March 28, the State Duma advanced legislation that would grant law enforcement increased authority to neutralize drones in order to defend protected facilities. The bill aims to provide a rapid response mechanism when drones threaten security perimeters and essential infrastructure.
Supporters of the bill point to practical data gathered over recent years. They note that in 2022 there were 81 recorded attempts to fly unmanned aircraft over penitentiary facilities. The following year, 208 drone flights were intercepted over sensitive objects, underscoring the persistent risk posed by aerial devices and the need for clear enforcement tools. The authors argue that a streamlined framework would enhance resilience and deter potential intrusions while maintaining civil liberties where appropriate.
Observers in the political and security communities say the debate touches on broader questions about technology, sovereignty, and the balance between security and privacy. The Kremlin spokesperson’s comments signal that, for now, any move to restrict drone activity at a national level will rely on specialized services to assess threat levels, risks, and the best operational options. The evolving legal landscape will likely continue to shift as data from ongoing incidents informs policy choices and implementation plans.
Ultimately, the developing policy agenda reflects a country navigating rapid advances in unmanned technology while safeguarding critical infrastructure. As lawmakers in Moscow weigh the practicalities of enforcement, regional actions and statutory proposals together paint a picture of a system trying to adapt to new kinds of aerial threats while preserving orderly governance and democratic oversight. [citation: Kremlin press office]