Ukraine and Russia’s emergency alert apps both hacked, residents warned of fake nuclear, chemical strikes

Updated on: November 2, 2026 / 12:28 PM EST / CBS News

Kyiv — Ukrainian and Russian emergency alert apps used to warn civilians of incoming missiles, drones and other military attacks were hacked hours apart on Sunday night, sending out false messages about radiation, chemical attacks and nuclear strikes.

At 10:47 p.m. local time (3 p.m. Eastern), Air Alert, a Ukrainian app developed by Ajax Systems and Stfalcon with support from Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation, started sending out false warnings of radiation, chemical threats, a nuclear attack and even street fighting in Kyiv.

Some Ukrainians rely on the app to decide whether or not to take shelter ahead of incoming Russian missile and drone strikes. Many also rely on the social media platform Telegram, however, where the country's Air Force and security analysts share more specific information about incoming strikes.

The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed just 10 minutes later, at 11:02 p.m. local time, on multiple platforms, that the notifications were false. "The Air Alert app appears to have been subjected to hostile interference. There is no radiation threat!" the Air Force said in a message shared on Telegram, urging Ukrainians to remain calm and follow official updates.

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/world/