Ukraine reveal major new defence tactic in bid to combat Russia threat

The move comes in response to Russia’s use of drones to target military supply routes in Ukraine NewsWorldEuropeUkraine reveal major new defence tactic in bid to combat Russia threatThe move comes in response to Russia’s use of drones to target military supply routes in UkraineOlena Harmash Wednesday 25 February 2026 15:31 GMTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popoverTrump says he is 'working very hard to end the slaughter' in UkraineYour support helps us to tell the storyRead moreSupport NowFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.Read moreUkraine is set to significantly ramp up its defences against Russian attacks with plans to deploy anti-drone nets across 4,000 kilometres of roads in frontline areas. The anti-drone nets will be installed by the end of 2026, Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced on Wednesday.This urgent measure comes as Russian remotely piloted aircraft increasingly target military supply routes, rear bases, hospitals, infrastructure, and civilian traffic deeper within Ukrainian territory.While a growing number of protective nets have been installed over the past year, Mr Fedorov stressed the need for further expansion. open image in galleryThe nets are designed to snag propellers, preventing drones from reaching high-value equipment, soldiers, or civilians (REUTERS/Vyacheslav Madiyevskyy)An additional 1.6 billion hryvnias ($37 million) has been allocated to bolster these crucial protection measures. The nets are designed to snag propellers, preventing drones from reaching high-value equipment, soldiers, or civilians."In just one month, we increased the speed from 5 km per day in January to 12 km in February. This significantly improved the safety of military movements and ensured stable functioning of frontline communities," Fedorov said on the Telegram app."In March, we plan to close 20 km of roads per day. By the end of the year, we plan to install another 4,000 km of anti-drone protection on roads."open image in galleryCars drive along a road covered with an newly installed anti-drone net (REUTERS/Vyacheslav Madiyevskyy)Ukraine would also expedite the construction of fortifications in the northeastern regions of Kharkiv and Sumy and the northern Chernihiv regions, bordering Russia, Fedorov said.The move comes after President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that new talks with the United States will take place this week.In a statement to reporters on WhatsApp, he said that the discussions would continue on Thursday.Talks are to centre on a “prosperity package” and post-war reconstruction as well as preparations for a trilateral meeting that would include Russia, which Kyiv hopes will take place in early March.During his annual address to Congress, President Donald Trump said: “We're working very hard to end the ninth war, the killing and slaughter between Russia and Ukraine, where 25,000 soldiers are dying each and every month.“Think of that, 25,000 soldiers are dying a month. A war which would have never happened if I were president, would have never happened.”More aboutUkraineWarRussiadronesinfrastructureJoin our commenting forumJoin thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their repliesCommentsMost popularPopular videosBulletinRead next