Previously, the non-profit organization Operation Change delivered a "big bag" of old fishing nets from Sweden that were converted into camouflage nets in Ukraine. But a year ago, something happened.
We arrived with 16 cubic meters of fishing nets from Brantevik. Already after a few days, they asked for more. Then we realized that they are using them in a different way, says Ludvig Ramestam, one of the organization's founders.
The fishing nets turned out to be good protection against Russian drones.
Last week, a truck was filled with prohibited old cod fishing nets, which fishermen on Österlen had collected. It became 120,000 square meters of nets.
Operation Change was formed in connection with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Today, they consist of 130 volunteers who are active in Ukraine and Sweden.
300 tons
Together with partners in Sweden and Denmark, they have sent just over 300 tons of fishing nets. Another major part is medical equipment. But the needs are shifting. Now there is a heat wave in Ukraine, and it is quite dry. Then Russia sets fires in the forests where the Ukrainians are defending themselves, Ramestam explains.
We are sending out a lot of Swedish fire extinguishers to areas near the front to stop the forest fires.
The use of drones has redrawn the map of war, the front line, and how critical infrastructure is protected.
Everything that is within reach of the so-called FPV drones, that's where the fishing nets make a difference.
For example, they stretch nets with the help of poles over roads, so that it becomes like a tunnel to the actual place.
During a burning war, you can still get in and out of there with supplies and evacuate people in a slightly safer way than if you didn't have the fishing nets.
In person on site
The nets are also used over trenches or vehicles. Then they are set up so that there is a distance to the vehicle. If a drone explodes in the net, it does not happen directly on the car.
Then you potentially save the lives of those sitting in the car.
Ramestam himself is in Ukraine every other month. The situation has deteriorated, he believes. About two years ago, they had record days with "70-80 drones and missiles" from Russia. Now in July, they have had three days with over 500.
They just increase the level of terror. More civilians are affected, he says.
