Russia fortifies frontlines against Ukraine's drone assault

There is an abundance of footage online showing FPV drone attacks, including instances where drones have entered dugouts where Russian soldiers were attempting to hide. The "Baba Yaga" drones have bombarded open trenches using mortar shells.

Ukrainians have a significant advantage over Russians in commercial drones, and for months, these have become their main means of combat. It is no surprise, then, that the Russians have started to adapt to the new conditions in various ways. Tanks have appeared with makeshift structures resembling an "armored barn," and infantry units have been supplemented with drone hunters in the form of soldiers armed with semi-automatic shotguns.

Field fortifications have also required modifications under these new conditions. In the photos below, it's evident that all dugout entrances are covered with steel mesh intended to detonate an FPV drone prematurely. The Russians are also attempting to better camouflage entrances using camouflage nets.

Nets at entrances provide a high level of protection if, for example, the dugout corridor is not directly facing the entrance but is off to the side; even in the event of an explosion, people or artillery ammunition inside will be shielded from shrapnel.

On the other hand, nets greatly hinder quick entry into or escape from the dugout if necessary. Recordings often show how, upon hearing the sound of a drone warning detector, Russian soldiers manning a howitzer frantically try to hide.

This primarily applies to dugouts or bunkers because covering open trenches with nets makes much less sense. In such cases, for example, the head of an FPV drone explodes in the air, and the net does not provide any protection against incendiary weapons. Thermite charges or napalm will be as effective as if the net weren't there.