Russia has enacted a series of sweeping new laws aimed at strengthening domestic defences against Ukrainian drone attacks and sabotage operations, signalling the Kremlin’s preparation for a prolonged conflict. President Vladimir Putin authorised the deployment of reservists to guard critical energy infrastructure, including refineries repeatedly hit by Ukrainian drones, without declaring a new mobilisation. The measures also include tighter penalties for sabotage, with life sentences for those involving minors and the lowering of the criminal responsibility age to 14. Additionally, new electronic restrictions such as a 24-hour mobile network blackout for returning travellers have been introduced to prevent drones from exploiting civilian networks. Analysts say these steps reflect Moscow’s growing anxiety over Ukraine’s ability to strike deep inside Russian territory and its effort to condition the public for a semi-militarised existence. Despite official claims of openness to peace talks, Russia shows no sign of de-escalation, while domestic propaganda urges citizens to accept greater sacrifices amid economic stagnation and Western sanctions.