Workers began installing protective anti-drone nets on one of Kyiv’s main bridges, AFP journalists observed Tuesday, marking the first such deployment in the Ukrainian capital since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.
The mesh barriers, already widely used in eastern and southern Ukraine near the front line, are designed to shield key transport routes from drone attacks. While similar nets cover streets in towns across Ukraine—particularly in the eastern Donbas region—those seen by AFP were being erected on both sides of the Northern Bridge in Kyiv.
Russian Jet-Powered Drones Target Capital’s Bridges
Two of the capital’s eight bridges have been targeted in recent days by Russian jet-powered drones, which are notoriously difficult to intercept. The strikes caused massive traffic jams across the city.
In recent weeks, Russia has significantly intensified its attacks on Kyiv, striking transport infrastructure, warehouses, residential buildings and parking areas both day and night.
Last week, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko described the situation in the city of some three million residents as “dramatic” due to relentless Russian strikes, accusing Moscow of seeking to “devastate” the capital.
Escalating Pressure on the Capital
The installation of anti-drone nets reflects growing concerns over the vulnerability of Kyiv’s critical infrastructure as Russian forces escalate their campaign against urban centers far from the front line.
- Anti-drone nets are now protecting both sides of Kyiv’s Northern Bridge
- Two of the capital’s eight bridges were hit by Russian jet-powered drones in recent days
- Russia has intensified day and night attacks on Kyiv’s infrastructure and residential areas
- Mayor Klitschko has warned of a “dramatic” situation in the city of three million
The protective measures signal a new phase in Ukraine’s efforts to defend its capital from an evolving aerial threat that has disrupted daily life and transportation across Kyiv.
