Hackers Sent Fake Nuclear Alerts to Kyiv Residents at 11 PM

Kyiv residents received false warnings of an imminent nuclear strike late Sunday night, forcing many to brace for impact in their homes. The alerts, which began shortly before 11 p.m. local time, claimed a high possibility of nuclear radiation. The messages also incorrectly reported a chemical threat and street-to-street fighting in the Ukrainian capital.

The emergency app’s text messages contained spelling errors and were written in English, Ukrainian, and Russian. One message in Russian claimed that Ukraine was about to be hit by Oreshnik missiles, a ballistic weapon capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The Kremlin has deployed this specific missile system three times previously, targeting the Kyiv region, Dnipro, and Lviv.

Many residents dismissed the initial notifications, assuming the app had been compromised. Others reacted with fear. Nina, one resident, said she was briefly terrified and lay on her bed wondering what was coming. The Ukrainian emergency app later stated that unauthorised parties had interfered with its operation. The channel was temporarily suspended, and users were warned not to click on links in suspicious notifications.

It was unclear on Monday who carried out the cyber raid or why. Russian officials claimed hackers also sent fake emergency alerts in Moscow after gaining access to the ministry for emergencies app. A Russian Telegram channel called Mash reported speaking to representatives of the hacking group Hitcore, who claimed responsibility. The report could not be independently verified.

The digital intrusion coincided with the resumption of Russian attacks on Kherson. This occurred hours after a six-day ceasefire ended. Kherson’s military administration reported that a Russian drone hit a hospital at 7:40 a.m. Monday. Video footage showed wrecked rooms, blown-out windows, and debris on the street. Officials said nobody was hurt.

Evidence suggests the Russian army used the ceasefire to strengthen positions in the nearby Kremlin-controlled town of Oleshky. Footage showed Russian soldiers deploying heavy military equipment and delivering ammunition. They carried large bags into burned-out houses and disappeared into basements. Armoured vehicles moved around Oleshky’s streets, a location three miles from Kherson across the Dnipro River.

Dmitry Pulinets, commander of Ukraine’s 34th Separate Marine Brigade, told Sky News that Russian soldiers were previously unable to drive in the city due to Ukrainian kamikaze drones. He said movement has been constant over the last few days. The ceasefire expired at 11 p.m. Sunday. Both sides hailed the pause as a success, though Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Monday there were no plans for another truce elsewhere.