Russia and Ukraine report cyberattacks on emergency alert apps

False alerts in both countries

Early Monday morning, Russia and Ukraine reported almost simultaneously that their mobile emergency alert apps had malfunctioned, with false messages being sent to users in both countries. Anadolu reported on the events citing statements from both sides.

Ukraine: Air Alert and a message about the 'Oreshnik'

The Air Force Command of Ukraine reported that the Air Alert app had likely been subjected to 'hostile interference': users received false alerts. The Telegram message stressed that 'there is no radiation threat,' residents were urged to stay calm and rely on official updates. Later, Ukraine's Center for Strategic Communications blamed Russia, noting that users received 'strange messages,' including ones in Russian mentioning the 'Oreshnik' missile.

Russia: a 'massive cyberattack' on the Emergency Ministry app

A few hours later, Russia's Emergency Ministry (EMERCOM) announced that its mobile app had been hit by a 'massive cyberattack' that allowed attackers to send false information. According to the ministry, the country's overall alert system was not affected: citizens continue to receive warnings via sirens and loudspeakers, SMS, television and radio broadcasts, while the app is merely an additional service. Specialists are restoring its operation, and the situation has been described as 'under control.' Moscow did not name anyone it considered responsible for the attack.

What remains unclear

At the time of publication, it was not known whether the incidents involving the Russian and Ukrainian apps were connected. Responsibility on the Russian side has not been established, and Kyiv's accusation against Moscow comes only from Ukraine's Center for Strategic Communications and has not been confirmed by independent verification.