Russian Postal Workers to Arm Themselves With Anti-Drone Weapons

Sep. 8, 2026 An anti‑drone gun. Arthur Novosiltsev / Moskva News Agency The Russian government has authorized federal postal service employees to carry anti-drone weapons as Ukraine ramps up its attacks across the country. “Special technical means of countering unmanned aerial, underwater and surface vessels and vehicles, autonomous land vehicles and other automated unmanned systems” have been added to an official list of weapons, ammunition and special gear. A 2005 government decree already allows postal employees to carry 9mm pistols, as well as stun guns and body armor. These weapons are typically given to security staff transporting cash. The expanded decree signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin last Thursday does not specify which Russian Post workers will receive the anti-drone weapons. The expansion follows a surge in Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Russian infrastructure over the summer, including oil refineries and the warehouses and logistics hubs of major online retailers Wildberries and Ozon. The attacks reportedly led to a 560% increase in the commercial procurement of anti-drone defense systems in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year. Last month, President Vladimir Putin signed an executive order allowing the state seizure of critical infrastructure facilities if they are deemed to be poorly protected against Ukrainian strikes and other threats. Putin has since maintained that the order has “nothing to do with any plans for nationalization” of private property. Read more about: Russia Post Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Georgy Matyukhin, Russia’s First Central Bank Chief, Dies at 91 Matyukhin headed the Central Bank during the turbulent period of economic and political transition after the collapse of the Soviet Union. 1 Min read Hungary Expels 10 Russian Diplomats for ‘Unacceptable Activities’ Russia's Foreign Ministry said it would issue a “harsh and painful” response to the expulsion of its diplomats in Budapest. 1 Min read Finland Completes Construction of Russian Border Fence Helsinki said the fence addresses heightened security risks following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and could be extended further. 2 Min read FSB Arrests Moldovan Suspected of Shooting Air Force General The arrest comes days after pro-Kremlin media reported that Major General Nikolai Varpakhovich was shot and wounded in the Saratov region. 2 Min read