More than 400 tonnes of fishing gear has been sent by Swedish NGO Operation Change to Ukraine. Although initially intended for use in providing camouflage, the Ukrainian military has also adapted the nets to provide protection against drones.
According to Ludwig Ramestam, co-founder of Operation Change, since the use of nets against drones was developed, there is a constant demand for more.
Swedish fishermen, with the cod fishery in the Baltic shut down, have been handing over the nets they can no longer use for fishing Operation Change for use in Ukraine, where the nets are used to protect hospitals, roads, frontline positions and vehicles.
‘Donated fishing nets from ports around the Nordic region are getting new life as drone protection in Ukraine. Instead of being burned or thrown away, they save lives,’ Ludwig Ramestam said.
‘Recently we have made another delivery of fire extinguishers and fishing nets, which is part of this ongoing work. So far we have delivered 3952 fire extinguishers and in 2025 we have delivered 400 tons of fishing nets. Each delivery is a result of good collaboration and the impact of these deliveries is that more lives can be saved. A big thank you to the Swedish ports of Läjet, Bua, Galtabäck, Fiskebäckskil and Gislöv and to Alwico Brand AB in Ljungskile for the latest load of fire extinguishers.’
Nets are also being donated for use in Ukraine from Danish ports in Jutland, especially from Thyborøn, Strandby and Skagen.
