Russia, Ukraine report cyberattacks on emergency alert apps as ceasefire ends

Cyberattacks hit Russian and Ukrainian emergency apps following end of Kherson truce. (Photo/Reuters)

Russia has said that its emergency warnings application came under a "massive cyberattack", hours after Ukraine reported a breach of its own air raid alert system, marking an exchange of digital blows as the war's longest localised truce collapsed.

Moscow's emergency ministry reported that hackers posted "false information" on the application, designed to alert the public to incoming drone strikes and aerial hazards.

Hours earlier, Ukraine's air force confirmed its Air Alarm platform suffered "hostile interference" after false alerts of a radiation threat were broadcast to users, with Ukraine's Centre for Strategic Communications blaming Russian actors.

The digital skirmishes coincided with the conclusion of a rare multi-day ceasefire in Ukraine's southern Kherson region on Sunday, after Moscow rejected an extension proposed by Kiev.

The humanitarian truce, brokered by US First Lady Melania Trump, had permitted relief convoys into the Russian-controlled city of Oleshky.

Refinery strikes and frontline tensions

Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine's human rights commissioner, confirmed that the ceasefire in effect from October 27 to November 1 had concluded, describing the temporary pause as "an important step in our joint humanitarian efforts".

However, military personnel warned fighting could escalate further.

A Ukrainian officer noted Russian forces across the Dnipro River used the pause to amass reinforcements, transport ammunition, and deploy surveillance drones.

Simultaneously, both nations exchanged physical strikes. Russia reported an overnight drone strike against an industrial facility east of Moscow, with Ukrainian media identifying the target as the Kstovo oil refinery.

Ukraine's energy ministry confirmed fresh power blackouts across several regions, including Kiev, following Russian bombardments against power infrastructure.

US has pressed Kiev to halt attacks on Russian refineries, blaming the strikes for surging domestic fuel prices.

Addressing the issue on Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he told Washington: "If you want us not to attack Russia's refineries, they have not to attack our energy system."

"Another alternative: give us Patriot missiles," Zelenskyy added.

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Source: TRT