Fake nuclear threats and street brawls fears: Russia, Ukraine report attacks on emergency alert apps
Fake alerts reach both countries
Public statements and social media messages indicated that Ukraine’s alert app was attacked first. At about 2100 UTC, the Air Force warned that the app was likely compromised and urged people to stay calm.
Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations confirmed around 0030 UTC on Monday that fake messages had also been sent to users of its app. About 90 minutes later, the ministry said the app was working normally again and stressed that the incident did not mean the national alert system had been compromised.
Ukraine offers other warning channels
Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Affairs advised citizens how to receive alerts while its “Alarm!” app was unavailable. The options included emergency alerts on iOS and Android devices, state-controlled sirens and official government social media accounts.
The Ukrainian Air Force said there was no radiation threat. One early fake warning, written in Russian and mentioning the “Oreshnik” missile, was a sign to some that the message might not be genuine.
Blame and conflict backdrop
Oleksander Merezhko, head of Ukraine’s parliamentary foreign affairs committee, told the BBC that the attack was almost certainly part of Russia’s cyber war. Russia did not explicitly accuse Ukraine of attacking its app, and official sources said it was operating normally.
The incident came amid a rare temporary suspension of fighting agreed to by Russia, intended to let hundreds of Ukrainians leave the Russian-occupied city of Olehsky. The article also refers to a ceasefire lifting in Kherson, but does not explain how that relates to the evacuation.
Key points
- Fake missile and nuclear warnings were sent through emergency apps in both countries.
- Ukraine’s Air Force said there was no radiation threat.
- Russia said its app was functioning normally again and distinguished it from the national alert system.
- Ukraine advised residents to use device alerts, sirens and official government channels.