Scotland to send fishing net to Ukraine to defend against Russian drone attacks

More than 280 tonnes of used fishing net will be sent from Scotland to Ukraine to help defend against Russian drone attacks.

The used salmon farm nets had initially been stored for recycling, but will now be sent to Ukraine following a request from the country, the Scottish Government said.

It added that infrastructure and “strategic locations” in eastern Ukraine will be protected as the nets are draped overhead to catch exploding drones.

The directorate for international trade and investment has allocated £216,000 to meet some of the costs of shipping the material. Denmark, Sweden and France have also donated old fishing nets.

External affairs secretary Angus Robertson said: “As we approach the fourth anniversary of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, the Scottish Government is committed to aiding Ukraine’s defence and this donation demonstrates that our support is unwavering.

“The Ukrainian Minister for the Development of Communities made a direct request for Scotland to supply used fishing nets, which would be repurposed to provide anti-drone netting on public roads in Eastern Ukraine.

“We identified 228 old salmon farm nets, weighing 280 tonnes, sitting in storage awaiting disposal.

“They work by trapping the drone propellers, stopping them reaching their target.

“Drone attacks are a near-daily occurrence. They have been responsible for many deaths and casualties as well as causing huge devastation across Ukraine.

“This will help counter some of these deadly attacks.”