Putin orders owners of non-state data centers to reserve 10% of capacity for Russia's IT infrastructure after Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian facilities

Russia's non-state data centers must now reserve capacity for government use, impacting available resources.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has mandated that owners of non-state data centers in Russia must reserve 10% of their capacity for the country's critical IT infrastructure. This directive follows a series of Ukrainian drone attacks that have targeted Russian technological facilities, including those belonging to tech giant Yandex. In response to these threats, Russia will also temporarily permit the use of data centers located outside of its borders. The move aims to bolster the resilience and security of Russia's digital infrastructure amidst ongoing security concerns and conflicts.

This directive signifies a proactive, albeit reactive, step by the Russian government to secure its digital backbone against external threats. By commandeering a portion of private data center capacity, the state asserts a priority over critical IT resources, potentially affecting the availability and cost for commercial clients. The temporary allowance for offshore data center usage suggests a recognition of existing capacity limitations or vulnerabilities within Russia's borders.

The policy highlights a growing trend of governments asserting greater control over digital infrastructure, especially in geopolitical hotspots. This could lead to increased regulatory scrutiny and operational complexities for private data center operators in Russia, potentially deterring foreign investment. It also raises questions about data sovereignty and the long-term implications for the broader Russian tech ecosystem.