How Fishing and Tulip Nets Are Shielding Ukraine from Russian Drones

Volunteer groups across Europe are stepping up efforts to support Ukraine by sending thousands of tons of nets to counter Russia's drone attacks. These donations, including fishing and tulip nets, help shield roads, infrastructure, and civilians from aerial threats. The Ukrainian military has reported success in intercepting most incoming drones, but the demand for thicker nets remains high.

Russia's drones continue to strike Ukrainian supply routes, military bases, hospitals, and civilian areas. In Kherson alone, attacks this year have killed at least 120 people. To defend against these threats, Ukraine has turned to an unusual solution: repurposing nets.

Tulip nets, originally used in agriculture, now cover hundreds of kilometres of roads to stop small drones. For larger drones, fishing nets are stretched over key infrastructure. The Ukrainian military has requested even thicker nets to catch heavier Russian drones, but supplies in the Netherlands and Denmark have run out. Volunteer organisations, such as Life Guardians, have already shipped over 8,000 tons of nets to Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelensky recently thanked French fishermen for donating heavy-duty horse-hair nets. While no European government has officially included nets in humanitarian aid programmes, grassroots efforts are expanding across the continent. Groups are now working to build a larger supply chain to meet Ukraine's growing needs.

The nets have proven effective, with Ukraine destroying 80-95% of Russia's drones before they reach their targets. Volunteer-led donations remain critical as the country faces ongoing attacks. Without official state support for these supplies, the efforts of civilian groups will continue to play a vital role in Ukraine's defence.