Emergency alert applications in both Ukraine and Russia were compromised by hackers overnight, who disseminated false warnings of nuclear attacks, high radiation levels, and chemical threats. The incidents caused widespread panic in both countries.
Ukraine's air raid alert channel confirmed on social media that "unauthorized parties" had breached its app, leading to its temporary suspension. Upon restoration, the app displayed alarming claims about radiation and chemical attacks in Kyiv. Officials later stated the app was subjected to "enemy influence" and assured the public there was "no radiation threat."
The hacked messages, written in Russian and containing spelling errors, attributed the attack to a group called Hitcore. A Russian Telegram channel with ties to security services reported that representatives from Hitcore claimed responsibility.
One of the fake alerts falsely reported that Russia had launched a hypersonic Oreshnik missile, capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, and declared a nuclear alert across Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities eventually issued all-clear messages, confirming that public alerts and air raid sirens were functioning correctly.
A few hours later, Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations reported that its mobile app had also been targeted by a significant cyberattack, resulting in false alerts about nuclear weapons. These warnings urged citizens to stockpile food for three weeks and seek shelter. However, the ministry downplayed the impact, noting that the compromised app was a supplementary information source, not a primary public warning channel.
Some of the false messages reviewed by Reuters were reportedly informal and critical of Russia, referring to the country as a "swamp."