Ukraine's Air Alert System Compromised, Issuing False Radiation and Chemical Attack Warnings

Ukrainian authorities announced that the nation’s official air-raid alert application was likely subjected to a cyberattack after residents in Kyiv received alarming, albeit false, notifications on Sunday regarding a "radiation hazard" and a "chemical attack alert".

These erroneous messages instructed citizens to remain indoors. Specific alerts included one stating, "There is a radiation hazard alert in Kyiv. Do not go outside!" and another warning, "There is a chemical attack alert in Kyiv. Do not go outside!"

The public air alert online map also erroneously depicted Kyiv and various other regions as being under a nuclear alert. Furthermore, the application disseminated incorrect information about Russia’s hypersonic Oreshnik missile and fabricated reports of street fighting occurring within Kyiv. Complementing these digital alerts, loudspeakers positioned across the city broadcasted prerecorded messages advising people to take protective measures.

Response from Ukrainian Authorities

The Ukrainian Air Force swiftly confirmed that its air alert application had been compromised and reassured the public that there was no genuine radiation threat.

In a statement shared via Telegram, the Ukrainian Air Force declared, "The air alert app appears to have been subjected to enemy influence. There is no radiation threat! Stay calm and follow our updates on our channel!"

While no group immediately claimed responsibility for the cyberattack, Ukraine’s Center for Strategic Communications attributed the incident to Russia.

Russia Reports Similar Cyberattack

Separately, Russia’s Ministry of Emergencies disclosed early Monday that its own mobile application had experienced a "massive cyberattack," which enabled perpetrators to transmit false information to the public.

The ministry conveyed on Telegram, "Attention! The mobile application of the Ministry of Emergencies of Russia has been subjected to a massive cyberattack, enabling attackers to send false information to the public."