Ukraine Alert App Hacked, Sends False Nuclear Warnings

Ukraine’s Air Alert app sent false warnings of radiation, chemical attacks and street fighting late on November 1, prompting officials to reassure residents that there was no radiation threat. Hours later, Russia said its Emergencies Ministry’s mobile application had also been attacked.

The incidents affected services used to communicate public safety information during the war. There was no immediate confirmation that the two attacks were connected.

False warnings arrive in quick succession

The Ukrainian notifications included warnings for Kyiv and other regions. One message claimed that Russia’s Oreshnik missile was on its way. Other alerts told residents that chemical attacks or street fighting were taking place.

The warnings were followed by messages cancelling the purported threats. Ukraine’s Air Force said the app appeared to have suffered hostile interference and directed residents to its official updates.

“There is no radiation threat!” the Air Force said.

Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ignat subsequently confirmed to AFP that the application had been hacked. Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation also said the threat information being distributed through it did not reflect the situation on the ground.

Wider warning network remains operational

Ukraine’s Digital Transformation Ministry said other public warning channels, including air raid sirens, continued to function while the app was disrupted. Kyiv authorities said the capital’s separate alert application remained operational.

The compromise of the Air Alert app did not establish that Ukraine’s entire nationwide warning network had been disabled.

Regional officials also urged residents to exercise caution. Vinnytsia Governor Natalia Zabolotna warned people against clicking on links in the messages amid concerns about a possible phishing attempt.

The false alerts were cleared about an hour later. At around 2 am local time on November 2, the app’s operators said services were gradually being restored, although the display of targets remained temporarily suspended.

The team said it was introducing additional security measures to prevent similar incidents. It also said the app did not store or use personal data.

Russia reports false messages through government app

Russia’s Emergencies Ministry said its application had suffered a large cyberattack that enabled attackers to circulate false information to the public. It said work was underway to address the vulnerability and restore normal service.

The ministry’s initial statement offered little detail about the messages or the extent of the disruption.

Ukraine’s Center for Strategic Communications blamed Russia for the Ukrainian incident, but that allegation had not been independently confirmed. Responsibility for the Russian app attack was also unclear.

For Ukrainian civilians, the disruption affected a familiar source of potentially lifesaving information. The app warns of incoming attacks, which can leave residents only minutes to find shelter. Officials urged people to follow verified government updates while services were being restored.

With inputs from ANI