Full Breakdown
Russian Business Lobby Urges Putin to Fund Heavy Weapons and EW Systems Against Ukrainian Drones
5/26/2026, 11:30:19 PM
Lobby’s Direct Appeal
On 25 May 2026, Alexander Shokhin, president of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP), met Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin. Shokhin asked for a financing mechanism—a fund—to purchase heavier weapons, electronic-warfare (EW) systems, laser installations and larger-caliber firearms for oil refineries, fertilizer plants and ports. He also requested tax-penalty deferral and reservist assignment to guard assets.
Drone Threat and Economic Impact
Ukrainian long-range drones have intensified attacks, striking oil refineries and ports in Ural cities Chelyabinsk, Yekaterinburg and Perm. Moscow Times estimates Russian oil firms lost about 1 trillion rubles ($11 billion) in 2025 from drone-induced shutdowns, and in 2026 drones reached a quarter of Russian territory, exposing the heartland to repeated strikes.
Official Request & Government Response
Shokhin argued that a financing scheme—such as a fund—is essential for acquiring heavier weapons, EW systems and laser installations. He asked Kremlin to suspend tax penalties for firms repairing damage and to assign reservist units to sites, noting that reassignments weaken protection. Kremlin confirmed receipt of the proposal but announced no immediate policy change.
Criticism & Opposition
The appeal reflects frustration with the state’s failure to safeguard the industrial base. Critics note the dismissal of General Viktor Afzalov and his replacement by Colonel General Aleksandr Chaiko as evidence of inadequate defence leadership. Denys Shtilerman of Fire Point highlighted the FP-2 drone’s 200-kg warhead, underscoring the growing threat to Russian facilities.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Businesses are ready to finance all this work, but a mechanism is needed where financing schemes are clear. This could be a fund of some sort or another form of targeted financing,” — Alexander Shokhin, RSPP President
- “They are related to the mechanisms for providing weaponry—not just light weapons of 7.62 caliber, but also larger calibers. This includes various EW [electronic warfare] systems, laser installations, and other calibers,” — Alexander Shokhin
- “It often happens that these reservists are in one place today, and in another tomorrow. Just as they begin taking over an object, new tasks arise,” — Alexander Shokhin
- “Chief designer Denys Shtilerman described the modernized UAV as a highly cost-effective alternative to guided aerial bombs, specifically tailored to bypass Russian electronic warfare networks.” — Denys Shtilerman, Fire Point chief designer
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the extent of Ukrainian drone penetration: one notes a quarter of Russian territory, while another describes strikes deep into the Ural Mountains. No official statement from President Putin confirming any policy shift is available.
What’s Next
The RSPP’s proposal may lead to a financing fund and the deployment of reservist units to protect facilities. Ongoing upgrades to Ukrainian drones, such as the FP-2’s 200-kg warhead, suggest the threat will persist, prompting adjustments to Russia’s industrial security strategy.
