In the era of rapid technological progress in the 19th century, scientific achievements often captured the imagination. During this time, amazing steel structures were created, among which the round ironclads designed by engineer Andrei Popov stood out. After the Crimean War, Russia needed to modernize its monitors, shallow-draft ships intended to suppress the enemy's coastal artillery. Admiral Popov proposed his unusual project, believing that such ships did not need high speed; the main thing was stability and the ability to carry heavy armament. The state commission approved his ideas, and Andrei Alexandrovich enthusiastically began work.

The first round ironclad, named "Novgorod," had a diameter of almost 30 meters. On board, two 280-mm rifled guns of the Krupp system were installed, which could be aimed, loaded, and fired independently of each other. The project looked promising, but during the first test in May 1873, serious shortcomings were revealed. "Novgorod" struggled to reach a speed of 11 km/h, waves washed over the sides and flooded the cabin, and it required 2 tons of coal per hour to operate. Problems also arose during firing: after the first shot, the ship spun around its axis. The disappointed government commission sent the ship for modifications.

Popov decided to create another round ironclad, "Kiev." In it, previous mistakes were taken into account, and the design was strengthened, but it also achieved low speed, and the ship still shook and spun during firing. Ultimately, the government abandoned Popov's projects.

Nevertheless, these vessels remained in the Russian fleet, and they even participated in combat operations. In July 1877, the round ironclads covered the transports of the Lower Danube Flotilla and once attempted to engage in battle with Turkish sailors. However, the Turks, seeing the massive but sluggish ironclads, simply turned around and returned to port. Despite the criticism, the "Popovkas" were decommissioned only in 1903.