Rival Russian and Ukrainian hacking groups have claimed responsibility for cyberattacks that triggered false nuclear and chemical warfare alerts across both nations. The coordinated digital assaults targeted the air raid alert systems of Ukraine and Russia, causing widespread confusion and fear among civilians.
The first incident occurred Sunday night when Ukraine's air raid app, used by approximately 6.7 million people daily, was compromised. Fake alerts warned of a Russian hypersonic missile launch, potential chemical threats to the capital Kyiv, and impending street fighting, urging residents to stay indoors. Some messages were in Russian, while others contained spelling errors and a mix of English and Ukrainian.
Ukraine's air force initially suggested Russia was behind the hack, stating the air raid system had been "subjected to enemy influence." They quickly issued clarifications that there was no radiation threat and advised the public to remain calm. A newly formed group called "Hitcore" later claimed responsibility for the attack on Ukraine's app.
Shortly after the disruption in Ukraine, Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations reported its mobile app was hit by a "massive cyber-attack," which disseminated false information. Residents in the Belgorod border region reportedly received alerts warning of nuclear warheads being launched across Russia and advising them to stockpile food. A pro-Ukrainian hacking group named "Atesh" posted a screenshot of this alert, claiming responsibility, though this claim could not be independently verified.
Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation temporarily suspended its emergency app following the hack, but stated other public alert methods and sirens remained operational. The Kremlin downplayed the breach, characterizing the affected app as a supplementary information source rather than a primary warning channel.
This exchange of cyberattacks comes shortly after a six-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine ended. Evidence has emerged suggesting Russia used the truce period to reinforce its positions and rotate troops in the Oleshky region.