Ukrainian refugees take up UK church to make camo nets for frontline combat

By Neil Johnstone via SWNS

Ukrainian refugees are making camouflage nets for frontline combat at a church in Edinburgh.

The project takes place every Friday and Saturday at Morningside United Church, in the city, as well as two other locations.

Known as Edinburgh Spiders, the volunteers began work last July, creating large nets from donated fabrics that help protect soldiers, equipment and buildings from drone attacks.

The nets proved so popular with the Ukraine forces that orders have increased, and hotels have provided old sheets to be dyed and knotted.

Co-organizer Hanna Tekliuk, from Vinnytsia, recently received an order for 30 nets, and has made nearly 40 so far.

Mom-of-three Hanna said: “So far we have made 37 nets and they were very warmly received by Ukrainians.

"We’re getting big orders so we’re asking people to help with cotton materials and we welcome volunteers of all nationalities and ages.

"If people are interested we would be extremely grateful for any financial help, we won’t be able to continue without these three components.”

After arriving in Scotland last year, Hanna launched the organization with her daughter Sofia and four people.

It took one month to make their first net, creating the base net from scratch out of twine - but they now take four hours.

The group uses anti-pigeon nets as a base and have had a boost in volunteers, speeding up the process.

Long thin materials work best, allowing the group to work faster and reducing the number of knots needed– making them lighter for soldiers to transport.

But the Edinburgh Spiders need more financial contributions, fabric donations and volunteers in order to help the Ukrainian military.

Hanna said: “Hotels are very good at supplying material for us.

"They have lots of old sheets that are perfect for us – they are usually white so they are easy to dye, they are easily torn and we can make long strips out of them.

"The best colors for camouflage are brown, green, beige and gray.

“It’s not only Ukrainians, there are many nationalities – Italians, British, Polish, a Japanese lady came to help us a few weeks ago and we are super happy that we have this multinational, very inclusive initiative.

"We’re functioning like a networking center, a tea and coffee club and we provide art therapy for people - people have to be creative to make the nets. I think it’s a great community and we are so lucky to have it.”

Edinburgh Spiders meet at the Morningside United Church between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with varying times and dates at St Cuthbert Church and the Heart of Newhaven Community Center.