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Nuclear threats and street brawls: Russia, Ukraine report attacks on their emergency alert apps
Cyberattacks on emergency alert apps in Ukraine and Russia sent people false warnings about missile and nuclear strikes, chemical hazards and street fights. The incidents, confirmed by officials on both sides, risked causing public alarm and disrupted services designed to share urgent safety information.
Ukraine’s app was reported compromised at about 21:00 UTC on Sunday, as a six-day ceasefire in Kherson ended; Russia confirmed an attack on its app at about 00:30 UTC on Monday and said it was restored roughly 90 minutes later. Both governments said other warning channels remained available, including sirens, SMS, television and radio. Ukraine has not publicly attributed the attack, while a Ukrainian parliament committee chair said it was likely part of Russia’s cyberwar; Russia has not explicitly blamed Ukraine for its app’s compromise.
In short
- Fake emergency warnings targeted apps in both countries.
- Ukraine’s app attack coincided with the end of a Kherson ceasefire.
- Officials pointed people to other alert channels.
Explained simply
Emergency alert apps send official warnings about immediate dangers, such as attacks or hazardous conditions. They are one part of wider public warning systems, which can also include sirens, text messages, television and radio.
Russia and Ukraine have been in a full-scale war since Russia launched its invasion in 2022. Cyberattacks are attempts to disrupt or access computer systems, and both countries have reported them during the conflict.
False warnings can cause fear and make it harder for people to know which safety information to trust. The incidents also raise questions about how governments keep emergency communications working during conflict.
Europe Russia-Ukraine War World