Kherson lives under anti-drone nets and in fear of Russian attacks • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Death Zone: Ukrainian term for areas heavily targeted by Russian drone and artillery strikes, particularly near the front line.
• Protective Netting: Large-scale mesh structures deployed over markets, bus stops, and transportation routes to mitigate the impact of drone and artillery attacks.
• Incendiary Drones: Drones carrying flammable substances designed to destroy infrastructure, specifically targeting the protective netting.
• Anti-Personnel Mines (Dropped from Drones): Landmines deployed from drones, intended to cause casualties; the netting aims to prevent their effective deployment.
• Vulnerability & Maintenance: The netting, while providing some protection, is susceptible to damage and requires constant repair and upkeep.

The Situation in Hersan: Life Under the Nets

The town of Hersan, located 2.5 kilometers from the front line in Ukraine, operates under a constant threat of Russian attacks, earning it the designation of a “death zone” by Ukrainians. To mitigate this danger, the town has implemented a system of large protective nets suspended over key public spaces like the market and bus stops. These nets are intended to offer some degree of protection from both drone and artillery strikes.

The primary motivation for implementing these nets is to provide a psychological and, to a limited extent, physical safety measure for civilians. A local farmer selling cheese at the market expressed that the nets “improve our situation” and “reassure” her, stating, “if it saves just one life, that’s already a lot.” However, the video clearly demonstrates that the nets do not eliminate fear, as evidenced by the immediate reaction of shoppers when artillery fire begins – resorting to prayer. Tragically, two people were killed 500 meters from the market during this incident, highlighting the limitations of the netting.

Russian Countermeasures & Net Vulnerability

The Russian forces are actively targeting the protective nets themselves. The video showcases an incendiary drone in action, burning a section of netting installed by Ukrainian forces. According to information provided, these drones can fly for approximately five minutes, covering a distance of up to one kilometer and capable of destroying one kilometer of netting during that time. This demonstrates a deliberate Russian strategy to negate the protective measures implemented by the Ukrainians.

The nets are inherently vulnerable and require continuous maintenance. Workers are shown cutting branches above the nets to prevent them from falling and damaging the mesh. This work is particularly dangerous, as the workers are highly visible from the sky and therefore potential targets for enemy drones.

Beyond Drone Protection: Countering Airborne Mines

The protective netting serves a dual purpose. Beyond mitigating the impact of drones and artillery, it also functions as a barrier against anti-personnel mines deployed from drones. The video explains that these mines are designed to be “mutilating” and that the mesh prevents them from landing directly on the street and detonating. A photograph illustrates a landmine successfully intercepted by the netting, preventing a potential casualty.

International Support & Ongoing Efforts

The nets are not solely a product of Ukrainian ingenuity. The video specifically mentions that some of the netting was donated by French fishermen from San Nazer, a town twinned with Hersan. This highlights the international support being provided to Ukraine in its defense efforts.

The ongoing need for maintenance and repair underscores the sustained nature of the threat and the continuous effort required to maintain even a limited level of protection for the civilian population.

Conclusion

The situation in Hersan exemplifies the brutal reality of warfare in Ukraine. While the protective netting offers a degree of reassurance and has demonstrably prevented some casualties, it is not a foolproof solution. The Russian military is actively targeting the nets, and their vulnerability necessitates constant maintenance and repair. The nets represent a desperate, yet innovative, attempt to protect civilians in a “death zone” and highlight the ongoing need for both defensive measures and international support.