By — Amna Nawaz Amna Nawaz By — Maria Ramirez Uribe Maria Ramirez Uribe Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/watch-zelenskyy-confirms-ukraine-hacked-back-after-russias-cyberattack-of-its-emergency-alert-system Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: Zelenskyy confirms Ukraine hacked back after Russia's cyberattack of its emergency alert system World Nov 2, 2026 1:06 PM EST Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed in an interview with PBS News' Amna Nawaz that his country hacked Russia's emergency alert system after Russia seemingly attacked Ukraine's alert system overnight. "We only respond on their attacks," Zelenskyy told PBS News. After the attack, "when it was very clear … that it's their personal attack against our people, civilians, of course, we responded," he added. READ MORE: Ukraine and Russia both report fake emergency alerts after cyberattacks target apps as limited ceasefire ends Ukrainian authorities said users received false warnings of an imminent nuclear threat on their emergency alert mobile apps on Sunday. The alert system was suspended but is now back up and running. "They attacked our system," Zelenskyy said of Russia. "It was a cyber attack."…
WATCH: Zelenskyy confirms Ukraine hacked back after Russia's cyberattack of its emergency alert system
In short
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy verified that state forces launched a retaliatory cyber operation against Russian targets. This countermeasure was authorized after an initial hostile cyberattack struck Ukraine's emergency alert system. The incident marks a direct exchange of digital offensive operations affecting national alert infrastructure.
Key points
- Ukraine demonstrated an active willingness to deploy retaliatory cyber operations against…: Ukraine demonstrated an active willingness to deploy retaliatory cyber operations against Russian digital strikes.
- Critical public safety systems such as emergency alerts have become active targets in dig…: Critical public safety systems such as emergency alerts have become active targets in digital warfare.
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly acknowledged state involvement in responsive inter…: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly acknowledged state involvement in responsive international cyber actions.