Authorities in both Ukraine and Russia say widely used air raid warning applications were targeted in apparent cyberattacks after users received false emergency alerts, including warnings of nuclear strikes, radiation hazards, chemical attacks, and active combat situations.
The incident caused confusion among residents already accustomed to frequent wartime alerts as the conflict between the two countries continues.
In Ukraine, the country’s popular air alert application suddenly issued red-level nationwide air raid warnings on Sunday night. Some users, particularly in areas including Kyiv, also received alarming messages claiming there were radiation threats, chemical attacks, and street fighting underway.
Ukrainian officials quickly moved to reassure the public that the warnings were false. In a statement posted on Telegram, the Ukrainian Air Force said the application had likely been compromised through hostile interference.
“The Air Alarm application has probably been subjected to hostile interference. There is no radiation threat. Stay calm and follow our updates on our channel.”
The Ukrainian government temporarily disabled the application for maintenance, stating that the system had apparently been compromised. Officials also noted that the fake messages were written in Russian, making it clear to many users that the alerts were not legitimate.
A few hours later, Russian authorities reported a similar cyber incident affecting an air warning application used by Russian citizens. Fake alerts, some containing offensive language, were reportedly sent to users before the issue was identified.
At this stage, officials have not determined who was responsible for the cyberattacks, and it remains unclear whether the incidents in Ukraine and Russia were connected.
The attacks highlight the growing importance of cybersecurity during modern conflicts, where digital systems used for public safety and emergency communication can become targets for disruption and psychological operations.
With residents in both countries relying heavily on warning applications for information about missile and drone attacks, authorities have urged users to verify alerts through official government channels whenever possible.
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