Ukraine and Russia say emergency alerts were spoofed by cyber‑hack

The Guardian reported that Ukraine and Russia say emergency air‑raid warning systems were compromised by a cyber‑attack, causing an app to broadcast false alerts late on Sunday night. At 22:47 the app issued a message warning of a "Radiation threat. Radiation threat declared in Kyiv," followed a minute later by a claim of a nuclear alert that read, "Hi! There will be a nuclear alert across Ukraine. Don’t worry, it’s Oreshnik flying" – a message the outlet noted was written in Russia. At 22:49 two further alerts warned of a chemical attack and street fighting in Kyiv, each urging residents to stay indoors. An all‑clear message was sent at 23:53. The report also mentioned that Belgium’s prime minister Bart De Wever is resigning after failed budget talks, according to local media, but the focus remained on the cyber‑induced false warnings in Ukraine.

Why it matters

The incident highlights how cyber‑intrusions can disrupt public safety communications and sow confusion during crises.

Key details

Location

Ukraine · Europe

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

2 Nov 2026, 15:27 IST

Key names

Russia, Europe, Belgium, Bart De Wever

Section

World

Figure cited

Don’t worry, it’s Oreshnik flying” [This message was written in Russia] 22:49: “Chemical threat. (The Guardian)

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianUkraine and Russia say emergency air-raid warning systems hit by cyber-hacks – Europe live 2 Nov, 15:27

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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