Ukraine's air alert app sent Kyiv users false warnings of radiation, chemicals and street fighting

Ukraine's Air Alert app, which warns residents of aerial threats, has issued messages about radiation, chemical hazards and street fighting in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital. None of the events described in the warnings actually took place.

Some of the messages were written in Russian, and they referred to the Oreshnik missile. The Ukrainian Air Force attributed the unusual alerts to probable enemy interference with the app.

The source gives no further details, such as how many users received the messages, how long the problem lasted or whether it has been resolved. It also does not explain how the interference may have happened. The Air Force's explanation is presented as a likely cause rather than a confirmed finding.

The incident shows that an app meant to give people timely warnings of danger can be used to spread false information.