By — Derek Gatopoulos, Associated Press Derek Gatopoulos, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/ukraine-and-russia-both-report-fake-emergency-alerts-after-cyberattacks-target-apps-as-limited-ceasefire-ends Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Ukraine and Russia both report fake emergency alerts after cyberattacks target apps as limited ceasefire ends World Nov 2, 2026 9:35 AM EST KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Authorities in Ukraine and Russia said their emergency alert mobile apps had been targeted by cyberattacks, with users in Ukraine receiving false warnings of an imminent nuclear threat. It was not clear if the attacks late Sunday were related. Ukraine said its service, which residents rely on to seek safety amid daily Russian missile and drone strikes, was up and running again after being suspended due to the attack. WATCH: Inside a Ukrainian city hit by Russian drones during the Starlink disruption Russian authorities said Monday that hackers had sent fake emergency alerts after gaining access to the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry's mobile app, and that efforts were ongoing to restore the app's functionality. A Russian Telegram channel said a hacking group, Hitcore, had…
Ukraine and Russia both report fake emergency alerts after cyberattacks target apps as limited ceasefire ends
In short
Compromised mobile applications sent false alarms of chemical, radiation, and nuclear strikes in Ukraine, while unauthorized notifications hit dozens of regions across Russia. Although the parallel attacks raised concerns of coordinated information warfare, officials confirmed that military operations and conventional warning systems were not degraded. The cyber disruptions took place as the most substantial pause in fighting since the invasion ended, promptly leading to fresh civilian casualties from drone strikes in Kherson.
Key points
- Critical public warning infrastructure in both countries faces acute vulnerabilities from…: Critical public warning infrastructure in both countries faces acute vulnerabilities from unauthorized cyber intrusions.
- Conventional alert systems including sirens, SMS, and broadcast networks remained operati…: Conventional alert systems including sirens, SMS, and broadcast networks remained operational during the app outages.
- The expiration of the brief humanitarian pause immediately resumed active strikes and civ…: The expiration of the brief humanitarian pause immediately resumed active strikes and civilian harm in southern Ukraine.