Ukraine to protect 4,000 kilometres of roads from Russian drones

Ukraine plans to cover up to 4,000 kilometres of roads with protective nets against Russian drones by the end of the year.

Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said the pace of work had accelerated markedly in recent weeks – from five kilometres per day in January to 12 in February – with Kyiv aiming to reach up to 20 kilometres per day in March. According to available data, the project is expected to require an additional 1.6 billion hryvnias, or around €39 million.

Russian drones have repeatedly struck hospitals and civilian infrastructure. The nets are intended to entangle the propellers of unmanned aircraft and prevent them from hitting military and civilian targets.

At the same time, Kyiv plans to speed up the construction of fortifications in the Kharkiv, Sumy and Chernihiv regions, which border Russia. The aim is to strengthen defences and bolster the resilience of communities near the front line.

(reuters, pir)