Russia Strengthens Energy Infrastructure Defense Amid Increased Drone Attacks

Russia is enhancing measures to protect its energy infrastructure from frequent drone attacks by Ukraine. Deputy PM Novak highlighted the rapid restoration of damaged facilities and ongoing improvements in protective technologies. Local refineries, such as Bashneft, have installed anti-drone nets for added security.

(Adds details, quotes) MOSCOW, May 22 (Reuters) -

Russia is bolstering efforts to protect its energy infrastructure from drone attacks and is quickly restoring facilities that are damaged, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Wednesday. Ukraine has increased its attacks on oil refineries in Russia, the world's second largest crude exporter, since the start of the year in an attempt to reduce Moscow's energy revenues and the amount of money it has to spend on the military. Kyiv launched new new waves of attacks this month.

"Restoration (of damaged facilities) is progressing at a rapid pace... (and) various mechanisms and technologies for protecting facilities are being improved. This work is ongoing," Novak told state TV. Radiy Khabirov

, the head of Bashkortostan in the Ural mountains, said last month that talks were underway with Russia's defence ministry about boosting the security of refineries in his region, including Bashneft. He also said that local oil companies had installed anti-drone nets to protect key facilities at its refineries from potential Ukrainian attack.

Ukraine does not officially confirm or deny it is attacking refineries inside Russia. But it says such sites are legitimate targets as they aid Moscow's military effort at a time when Russian strikes are pounding Ukrainian infrastructure, including energy facilities.