wsj.com · 26 Sep, 02:00 · Business briefing

Overwhelmed by Ukraine’s Drones, Russia Tells Businesses to Defend Themselves

Russian authorities have instructed domestic businesses to implement independent defence measures against Ukrainian drone attacks, shifting responsibility from state forces to corporate entities.

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The briefing

The story
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Russian authorities have instructed domestic businesses to implement independent defence measures against Ukrainian drone attacks, shifting responsibility from state forces to corporate entities. This directive emerges as military pressure intensifies, compelling organisations to manage physical security risks alongside operational duties. Companies must now allocate resources to protect infrastructure and personnel without guaranteed state intervention. The move signals a significant escalation in hybrid warfare tactics, forcing executives to integrate tactical security planning into daily business continuity strategies. Professionals must now navigate an environment where corporate survival depends on self-reliant defensive capabilities.

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Your move

What this means
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This development signals that physical security and resilience are no longer optional add-ons but core business competencies. You must recognise that crisis management now intersects directly with operational continuity. If you lead teams, you need skills in risk assessment and emergency response planning. Professionals in supply chain, facilities management, and executive leadership should prioritise training in business continuity and physical security protocols. Smart professionals will immediately audit their current disaster recovery plans, ensuring they address asymmetric threats like drone strikes. Upskill in crisis communication and operational resilience to remain indispensable. Understanding how to protect assets and personnel during geopolitical instability will distinguish you as a leader capable of navigating extreme volatility.

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