Could New Russian Barrage Balloons Stop Ukrainian Drones?

Like any new countermeasure, it's a maybe.

This new idea from Russian Aerostat company "Pervyy Dirizhabl" would use a balloon connected to a net to cover roughly 300 meters in height around sensitive areas in Russia.

The plan could work, although there could be complications. Balloons must be taken down periodically for maintenance and to refill their lifting gas. The nets could also give way if struck by a drone, which would make them dangerous to place in populated areas. If the drones are not anchored, the nets could turn into giant sails which would point into the wind, reducing their coverage effectiveness.

Ultimately, Ukraine could just program its drones to pop up to over the height of the barrage balloon net right before it dives onto its target.

So this may or may not be an effective deterrent depending on how Ukraine responds.