The key facts
- General Vladimir Popov described the 'around the corner' maneuver: drones approach Ukraine's western borders and come at targets from the opposite side
- The expert assessed reports of a jet-powered Geran flying about 1,500 km to Rivne region skeptically
- Air Command 'West' reported destroying 80 Geran-2 and Geran-4 drones over six western regions on October 19–20
New tactic: approaching targets 'from around the corner'
Russian Geran drones have begun using unexpected approach vectors to strike targets in western Ukraine, which, according to military experts, complicates the work of local air defenses. Honored military pilot, major general of aviation Vladimir Popov told the MK.ru website that the drones may first approach the country's western borders and then turn around and come at targets from the opposite side. He called this technique the 'around the corner' maneuver [source-1].
Why air defenses find it harder to intercept the drones
According to Popov, Ukrainian air defense crews mostly expect drones to appear from the eastern and southeastern directions. A change of route, the expert believes, can catch them off guard and reduce interception effectiveness. He also suggested that the Russian military may use more complex flight trajectories to reach targets in Lviv, Volyn and other western regions, which makes the drones' movement harder to predict [source-1].
Flight range and new capabilities
The discussion of the tactic was prompted by reports from military Telegram channels about a jet-powered Geran that covered about 1,500 kilometers and reached Rivne region. The general himself, however, doubted that this figure reflects the drone's actual flight range [source-1]. Popov also suggested that certain Geran modifications may be capable not only of strike but also of reconnaissance missions: the equipment is becoming more compact, and installing it could expand observation capabilities [source-1].
Statements from the Ukrainian side and a satellite-control forecast
Against the backdrop of the discussion of the new tactic, Ukraine's Air Command 'West' reported destroying 80 jet-powered Geran-2 and Geran-4 drones over six western regions of the country on October 19–20 [source-1]. Earlier, an adviser to Volodymyr Zelensky on defense technology warned about the new capabilities of Russian Gerans thanks to the Rassvet satellite system: in his forecast, within six months Russian operators will be able to control drones over Ukraine in real time, adjusting their routes in flight [source-1].
Context and data limitations
The main information about the tactic comes from a single expert — General Popov's comment to MK.ru, retold by Life.ru; the cited publications contain no independent confirmation of the 'around the corner' maneuver. The report of a 1,500-kilometer range relies on anonymous military Telegram channels, and Popov himself expressed doubt about that figure. The Ukrainian command's claim about 80 downed drones is also unverified by independent sources in the available materials. Editorially, it can be noted that the discrepancy between the report of a record range and the expert's skeptical assessment remains an open question: the drones' actual range and routes have not yet been documented.
