Russia and Ukraine said their mobile apps that are used for emergency alerts came under attack, as hackers issued fake alerts of nuclear and chemical threats at the end of a local truce lasting six days.
The alerts, the first of which came as late as Sunday evening, have included information on radiation and chemical threats and the possibility of Russia firing its nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. The app reported that “there is no radiation threat” and called on the people of Ukraine to stay calm.
Its own mobile app had been hit by a “massive cyberattack”, Russia’s Emergencies Ministry said, which had enabled false messages to be sent to users. Its technical teams are working to bring the service back online and the ministry asked the public to trust only official messages.
Responsibility for the attacks was not assigned by either side for several days. Russia did not specify who was responsible for the hacking of its app but said it was the work of an “external force”, Reuters reported.
The incidents occurred as a localised ceasefire in Ukraine’s Kherson region, where Russian forces occupy the town of Oleshky, entered into force on Oct. 27, facilitating a humanitarian evacuation. The ceasefire was due to run out on Sunday, with no extension announced.
