Fake emergency alerts about radiation and nuclear threats spark cyberattack claims in Ukraine and Russia
Ukraine and Russia reported cyberattacks on their emergency alert apps after false messages warned of radiation hazards and nuclear attacks, prompting officials to assure the public that the alerts were unauthenticated.
Around 10:45 p.m. Kyiv time on Sunday, residents in Ukraine received emergency messages warning of radiation hazards, chemical threats and street fighting. One alert, written in Russian, claimed the whole country was under a nuclear alert and referenced "Oreshnik" as a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile. The message was linked to a Telegram channel called Hitcorecorp, and a pro-Kremlin channel said the group claimed responsibility, though verification was lacking.
Ukraine’s Air Force said the "Air Alert" app had likely been compromised, confirming there was no radiation threat and urging calm. The app’s developers reported that unauthorized third parties interfered with its operation, labeling the incident a cyberattack and saying they were restoring service while adding additional security measures.
The State Emergency Service of Ukraine later said the national alert system was functioning normally, and a NBC News producer in Kyiv reported no further issues with the app.
Russia’s emergencies ministry also reported a cyberattack on its mobile application, which it said resulted in the spread of false information. The ministry restored the public alert system and described the app as a supplementary information service. Russian media shared screenshots of a Russian-language alert that warned of "nuclear warheads" launched at Russia, though officials did not identify the perpetrators.
The two incidents appeared unrelated, occurring shortly after a temporary ceasefire in the occupied Kherson region ended. The ceasefire, brokered with involvement from First Lady Melania Trump and Pope Leo XIV, had allowed the evacuation of hundreds of residents from Oleshky.
"On behalf of America, I commend Russia and Ukraine for their leadership and cooperation surrounding the Oleshky ceasefire," Melania Trump posted on X on Sunday.
"I hope Oleshky serves as a foundation for lasting peace between both nations," she added.
Ukraine’s Ombudsman for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets said he was exploring further humanitarian initiatives with his Russian counterpart Yana Lantratova, emphasizing the importance of maintaining cooperation mechanisms.
"It is important to maintain this mechanism of cooperation," Lubinets said.
Lantratova noted that fewer people than expected left Oleshky, citing logistical challenges and personal choices, and pledged monthly humanitarian aid deliveries coordinated with the first lady.
Ukraine’s armed forces accused Russia of using the ceasefire to rotate troops and strengthen positions, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Kyiv could have similarly used the pause to regroup, describing it as a common practice in such situations.