Russian forces are exploiting thick cloud cover over Ukraine to launch attacks on military facilities behind the front lines using older versions of Geran drones, according to Sergey Beskrestnov, an adviser to the Ukrainian president on defense technology.

In a Telegram post on November 1, Beskrestnov reported that Russian troops were deploying dozens of conventional gasoline-powered Geran drones, known in Ukraine as Shaheds, to take advantage of poor visibility.

The adviser explained that widespread cloud cover could make it difficult for Ukrainian interceptor crews to detect incoming UAVs, giving Russian forces an opportunity to use older drone models.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian information sources have reported large-scale Geran drone attacks targeting the Kiev Region and several areas of western Ukraine.

Energy infrastructure facilities are reportedly among the primary targets of these strikes. Particular attention has been directed toward railway traction substations, which supply electricity to rail transport systems.

The reported use of gasoline-powered drones marks a shift from Russia’s recent operational pattern.

Over the past several months, Russian forces have predominantly deployed jet-powered Geran variants rather than older models equipped with piston engines.