Fake nuclear warnings issued after Ukrainian and Russian air alert apps hacked

Fake Nuclear Warnings Spread After Ukrainian, Russian Apps Hacked

Ukrainian and Russian emergency alert apps were hacked on Sunday night, spreading fake warnings about nuclear attacks, radiation, chemical threats, and street fighting, according to both countries’ authorities. The incidents happened during the ongoing conflict, as users in Kyiv and Russian cities received alerts later found to be fake.

Ukrainian App Sends Fake Air Raid Warnings

In Ukraine, the Air Alarm app—used widely across the country—sent red-level air raid warnings nationwide, including specific alerts about radiation and chemical attacks in Kyiv. A Ukrainian government agency published translated versions of some fake alerts, which included messages in Russian, helping users recognize them as inauthentic. The first thought was 'oh my god, I'm not prepared for this,' said Olena, a Kyiv resident, who later realized the app had been compromised after her husband received alerts in Russian. The government temporarily disabled the app for maintenance, stating it had apparently been compromised.

Atesh Group Shares Fake Alert Screenshot

Russian authorities reported a similar incident, with one of their air raid alert apps targeted by a massive cyberattack that sent fake information to the public. A purported screenshot of a fake alert, shared on Telegram by the Ukrainian partisan group Atesh, warned users that nuclear warheads mounted on P1-Suns [a Ukrainian attack drone] had been launched at all regions of Russia. The message, which included profanities, urged residents to stock up urgently on food for three weeks and hide. However, Russian media outlets did not prominently cover the incident, and officials downplayed its impact, stating that alerts are distributed through regional sirens, SMS, and media broadcasts.

Ukraine Air Raid App Hacked, Fake Nuclear Alerts And Russian Missile Warnings Flash Across Kyiv

Kherson Hospital Hit in Ongoing Conflict

The incidents occurred as fighting continued in southern Ukraine, including a reported Russian drone strike on a hospital in Kherson. The city had recently been the site of a ceasefire that allowed evacuations from Russian-held Oleshky, though the fake alerts did not disrupt broader military operations.