822 kilometers of networks to stop enemy drones. Ukraine’s new strategy to shield its territory this time. This time the nets are just that, for fishing or agricultural work, to be exact.
“Reliable logistics near the front remains a constant priority. We are systematically working to protect key paths“, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense wanted to detail after the installation on Saturday.
The system is quite rudimentary, but in the opinion of experts, effective. Numerous tall wooden or metal structures serve as bases for the meshes that surround them and complete a ‘tunnel’ structure on both sides of the road or path. So, for 822 kilometers.
The meshes are reused from primary sector useslike fishing nets or of agricultural collections. And a good part of them come from western allieswhich have donated to Ukraine, .
The Department of Defense has explained that this type of defensive structure is especially effective in disrupting the flight of small drones by trapping their propellers. Although the most advanced models can fly over these meshes, they do represent a first defensive curtain at a very economical cost compared to what is today the leading cause of death in war between Russia and Ukraine.
It is no secret that these defense materials are easily attackable, so both drone attacks and the impacts of some of them can cause gaps through which the following unmanned aircraft can sneak in.
But the installation of meshes comes from afar in this same war. In the initial stages, both sides used them to protect their armor and tanks, but soon they began to use them to cover fixed positions. This was especially from 2023, with the development of the fiber optic dronesimmune to interference, capable of entering the battlefield.
The road mesh strategy against potential drones already Russia applied it in 2025 in some previously conquered points, such as on highways in the invaded Donetsk region.
