Kyiv Authorities Warn Against Sharing Attack Footage Amid Risk of 12-Year Imprisonment

Kyiv City Administration Appeals to Residents

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: The Kyiv City State Administration urges citizens to refrain from capturing and posting photos or videos from locations targeted by Russian strikes. Officials warn that sharing such material endangers lives because Russian forces monitor and analyze these images to plan further attacks. Even a single social media post can jeopardize the safety of military personnel, emergency responders, medical staff, and civilians.

Strict Ban on Publishing Military-Related Information

The administration explicitly prohibits recording or sharing details about:

• military installations
• movement of military equipment
• damage caused by missile strikes
• consequences of drone attacks
• anti-air defense operations
• locations and movements of Ukrainian Armed Forces units and other military groups

The statement highlights:

“Do not share content that could be exploited by Russian propagandists or military forces.”

Publishing such information may constitute a criminal offense under Article 114-2 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code. Violators risk up to 12 years imprisonment, especially if the shared data involves unauthorized disclosure of Ukrainian Armed Forces movements or providing intelligence to the aggressor state. The Kyiv administration stresses:

“Sharing this content can be prosecuted as a crime and may be charged under Article 114-2 of the Criminal Code, depending on circumstances.”

Citizens are urged to report any suspicious posts to law enforcement agencies or the Security Service of Ukraine to prevent potential threats and protect both military personnel and civilians.

This advisory forms part of Ukraine’s broader efforts to safeguard national security amid ongoing Russian aggression. Given the severe consequences of disseminating military information, public awareness of responsible social media use is crucial. Authorities call for vigilance to minimize unforeseen risks and maintain the country's safety.

In light of the ongoing conflict, the digital landscape is also being scrutinized, as platforms take action against harmful content. For instance, YouTube has blocked access to numerous Russian channels that promote propaganda, highlighting the importance of controlling information in times of crisis. This aligns with the Kyiv authorities' efforts to ensure public safety and national security amidst heightened risks.