By Islam El-Sakka
Ukraine and Russia both reported cyberattacks on their emergency alert applications Sunday night, sending fake warnings of nuclear danger and radiation threats to millions of residents.
Fake alerts spread panic in Ukraine
Beginning around 10:45 p.m. Kyiv time, Ukrainian phones received messages warning of radiation hazards, chemical threats, street fighting, and a nationwide nuclear alert referencing Russia's Oreshnik hypersonic missile. The alerts appeared in Russian and cited a Telegram channel called Hitcorecorp. Ukraine's air force said the Air Alert app had likely been compromised by the enemy, confirming there was no radiation threat. The app's creators acknowledged unauthorized interference, temporarily suspended service, and later described the incident as a cyberattack, saying they were restoring functionality and adding protective measures.
Russia also reports hack of its alert system
Early Monday, Russia's emergencies ministry said its mobile application suffered a massive cyberattack that disseminated fake information to the public, including warnings of nuclear warheads launched at Russia. The ministry said the public alert system was restored and operating normally, emphasizing the app was only a supplementary service. Russian authorities did not identify the perpetrators, attributing the attack to malicious actors.
Incidents follow end of humanitarian ceasefire
The cyberattacks came hours after a rare humanitarian ceasefire in the occupied southern Kherson region ended. The truce, brokered with involvement from first lady Melania Trump and Pope Leo XIV, held for six days without violations, allowing the evacuation of hundreds of residents from the front-line town of Oleshky. Melania Trump commended both sides for leadership and cooperation, hoping the ceasefire would serve as a foundation for lasting peace. Ukraine's human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said he was exploring further humanitarian initiatives with his Russian counterpart, Yana Lantratova. Lantratova said fewer people evacuated than expected, with many staying behind due to elderly or sick relatives, and that monthly aid deliveries would continue with Trump's coordination. Ukraine's armed forces accused Russia of using the truce to rotate units and fortify positions, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Kyiv could also have used the pause to regroup.
