Fake 'Radiation Hazard' Alert Hits Kyiv After Air-Raid App Hack

Ukrainian officials say the country's official air-raid alert app was likely hacked after false "radiation hazard" and "chemical attack" warnings went out to residents of Kyiv on Sunday.

"There is a radiation hazard alert in Kyiv. Do not go outside!" one message read. The public alert map showed Kyiv and other areas under a nuclear alert, and the app also pushed false warnings about Russia's hypersonic Oreshnik missile and street fighting in the capital. Street loudspeakers broadcast a recorded message telling people to take precautions.

The Ukrainian Air Force said on Telegram that the app "appears to have been subjected to enemy influence," adding: "There is no radiation threat! Stay calm and follow our updates on our channel!" Ukraine's Center for Strategic Communications blamed Russia, though no group has publicly claimed responsibility.

Early Monday, Russia's Emergencies Ministry said its own mobile app suffered a "massive cyberattack" that allowed "attackers to send false information to the public."