President Vladimir Putin issued an executive order on Tuesday permitting the military to call up members of its mobilization reserve for “special” gatherings next year, aimed at safeguarding critical infrastructure.

The directive instructs the government to compile a list of key facilities that require protection, while the Ministry of Defense is responsible for designating the military units that will oversee these assemblies.

Russia’s mobilization reserve is composed of volunteers who have signed contracts for periodic service. Previously, reservists were only assigned combat roles during times of mobilization or war and could typically be called for training no more than once annually.

In November, Putin enacted legislation that broadened the conditions under which reservists can be activated, allowing their summons during peacetime for “special” gatherings intended to protect vital infrastructure and other essential sites identified by the government.

According to the business newspaper Kommersant, recruitment efforts have already commenced in various regions to enlist reservists into units assigned to safeguard such facilities.

This initiative arises as Russia is increasingly confronted with the challenge of defending military locations and critical infrastructure against Ukrainian drone strikes, which have focused more on oil and gas installations crucial to the nation’s energy sector.