Nizhny Novgorod Launches New Ministry to Shield Critical Infrastructure

The Nizhny Novgorod region has set up a new Ministry for Critical Infrastructure Protection. This move comes as part of a wider shake-up of the regional government’s security structure. The ministry will focus on defending essential sites in energy, transport, and communications. Konstantin Bochkarev, a former Russian Armed Forces officer, has been appointed to lead the new ministry. Vladimir Tuzhilin, the region’s deputy prime minister, will supervise its work. The ministry’s tasks include installing active and passive defence systems at critical locations and issuing rapid alerts about threats.

It will also coordinate responses to drone attacks and manage a mobilisation reserve. Meanwhile, volunteers from the 'BARS-NN' unit are training to use man-portable air defence systems. Major industrial firms in the region have already started adding extra protection to their facilities. The new ministry takes on broad responsibilities for securing vital infrastructure. Its creation reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen regional defences. Key sectors will now have organised support against emerging threats.