Ukraine ramps up road protection from Russian drone attacks, defense minister says

The head of the Defense Ministry noted that Russian forces use drones to terrorize civilian cars, rescuers, and repair crews.

"We are strengthening protection of frontline territories and accelerating construction of anti-drone nets. Focus is on roads that ensure uninterrupted logistics and life of communities near the line of combat contact," he said.

According to the minister, 1.6 billion hryvnias (about $37 million USD) were allocated from the budget for anti-drone nets.

Russia uses UAVs to terrorize civilian cars and critical logistics near the frontline areas. We are building anti-drone nets, forming a protective dome. The goal is to protect 4,000 kilometers of roads by the end of the year. Watch the video to see how it works. pic.twitter.com/CSoqB8dbQK

— Mykhailo Fedorov (@FedorovMykhailo) February 25, 2026

In February pace of construction of protective structures increased almost two and a half times compared to the beginning of the year. If in January specialists installed 5 kilometers of nets per day, in February this figure increased to 12 kilometers per day. During the current month, 125 kilometers of roads were covered with such nets. Also, 55 kilometers of structures were restored.

"Already in March, we plan to cover 20 km of roads per day. By the end of the year, plans include installing another 4000 km of anti-drone protection of highways," Fedorov noted.

Also, as the minister added, Ukraine is accelerating construction of fortifications in Kharkiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv regions.

Strike on the volunteers' vehicle

On 6 February, Russian forces attacked an evacuation vehicle with drones in Beryslav of the Kherson region. Volunteers who were evacuating four residents from a dangerous zone came under fire.

After the drones hit, the vehicle was completely burned down. As a result of the attack man born in 1982 was killed, and three more people were injured.