Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
It’s not perfect, but it does make a significant difference.
Earlier today, the UK Defense Minister, John Healey, announced the single largest investment of the year for Ukraine’s air defenses.
According to European Pravda, Healey announced a £600 million investment (US$806 million) into air defense systems for the protection of the Ukrainian population against the lethal Russian bombings.
Air defense is a top priority for Ukraine, as Russia continues to pummel Ukrainian infrastructure, and if the soon-to-be 4-year long war has proven anything, it is that the innovation of Ukraine is next level.
But sometimes, the solution to a problem is simpler, than it might seem – like, how would you protect civilians against depris from falling drones?
Well, with nets, of course.
A protective tunnel
A striking recording circulated online last week, drawing attention far beyond Ukraine.
It appeared to show autumn leaves suspended above a city street, frozen in midair.
The recording was real, but its meaning was misunderstood. What looked decorative was in fact part of a growing wartime adaptation spreading across eastern and southern Ukraine.
Hidden danger above
The scene was filmed in Kherson, where mesh netting now stretches above roads.
According to UNITED24 Media, the nets are designed not to manage debris but to stop Russian first-person-view drones before they hit vehicles below.
Similar structures have appeared across frontline regions, enclosing roads on both sides and overhead.
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A race for safety
Despite the barriers, the risk has not disappeared. Soldiers say speed remains critical when passing through exposed areas.
Russian forces have attempted to destroy the nets by burning them, leaving visible scorch marks and damaged sections along some routes.
As FPV drone ranges continue to grow, Ukrainian officials expect the netted corridors to spread further. According to UNITED24 Media, Russian strikes increasingly affect civilian traffic, meaning no vehicle on these roads can be considered safe.
Sources: UNITED24 Media, @EpicClipVault / X, European Pravda
