In Kharkiv, officials are discussing the idea of enclosing the city with anti-drone nets
Anti-drone nets may be installed over certain areas of Kharkiv and along access roads. The final decision on their installation will be made by the military administration after identifying the locations that require additional protection.
According to Terekhov, the process of identifying locations that may be covered by anti-drone nets is currently underway. First and foremost, this includes the Ring Road, the main highways leading to Kharkiv, as well as other important facilities that require additional protection against drone attacks.
The mayor emphasized that city authorities are ready to carry out all necessary work immediately after the military approves the list of such locations. He noted that the military administration makes the final decision, as this concerns the city’s security and defense. “As soon as the military administration makes a final decision on the locations that need to be covered with anti-drone nets—specifically the Ring Road and the highways leading to the city of Kharkiv—this work will be carried out,” Terekhov stated. He noted that protecting infrastructure from drones is becoming increasingly important today, as the nature of Russian attacks is constantly changing.
Nets Will Not Protect Against All Threats
Ihor Terekhov emphasized that anti-drone nets cannot be considered a universal means of protection. They may be effective against certain types of drones, but they are not capable of stopping all types of weapons that Russia uses to strike Kharkiv.
According to the mayor, if the city is attacked by jet-powered strike drones, guided bombs, or missiles, such structures will not protect against the consequences of the strike. However, this does not mean the idea should be abandoned, as even partial protection can help reduce risks. “Nets are not a panacea for all problems, because when a ‘Shahed’ jet drone, a guided aerial bomb, or a missile strikes, they won’t help. But we still need to do this,” Terekhov emphasized. He added that modern warfare requires a comprehensive approach to security, so various defense measures must operate simultaneously.
Kharkiv Faces a New Threat
The mayor also drew attention to the emergence of a new danger—Russian fiber-optic-controlled drones. According to him, such drones can already travel distances of up to 40 kilometers, which means that Kharkiv is effectively within their range.
Terekhov noted that since the start of the full-scale invasion, the city has been subjected to attacks with various types of weapons almost daily. Russia is using S-300 and S-400 missiles, guided bombs, “Tornado” multiple-launch rocket systems, Shahed-type strike drones, and now new fiber-optic-controlled drones for its attacks. According to the mayor, because of this, Kharkiv’s defense system must constantly evolve and adapt to new challenges. That is why the city is considering various options to strengthen security.
Another potential threat has emerged
Separately, Terekhov mentioned a new type of Russian drone called “Banderole.” According to the Main Intelligence Directorate, these drones can travel up to 500 kilometers. The mayor noted that if this type of weapon is widely deployed, not only cities near the front lines but also a significant portion of Ukraine’s territory could be at risk. That is why, in his view, it is necessary to begin preparing additional measures right now to protect civilian infrastructure and transportation routes.
He emphasized that Kharkiv remains one of the most heavily shelled cities in the country, so the issue of strengthening defenses remains urgent. If the military administration approves the installation of anti-drone nets, the relevant work could begin in the near future. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov announced this during a national telethon.
In addition, on the night of July 8, attack drones of the Ukrainian Defense Forces struck a military airfield in Borisoglebsk, Voronezh Oblast, Russia. This airbase is home to aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces, which are used for both combat and training missions.
Over the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian Defense Forces have reduced the Russian army’s ranks by another 1,260 soldiers. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine released updated data on enemy losses as of July 8, also reporting the destruction of a significant amount of enemy equipment.
