Fake Telegram Lists of Russian Strikes Must Not Be Believed, Ukrainian Institute Says

Mass Telegram Posting Raises Alarm

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: On July 26, at least 26 Telegram channels posted nearly identical messages containing what they said were likely Russian strike targets. The first to spread the text was an anonymous channel called 'YeRadar'. It then gained traction in large Telegram communities, local-focused channels, and blogs, none of them linking to verified sources. In at least one channel, the list of addresses was later edited with no explanation. The Institute of Mass Information (IMI) said it found no official communication from Ukraine’s Defense Forces that ever specified particular neighborhoods or streets ahead of strikes.

IMI Statement: Don’t Fall for Panic-Inducing Fakes

Ukrainians should not trust Telegram posts that claim to list exact addresses of future Russian attacks, the Institute of Mass Information warned. In a Facebook statement, the organization stressed that these messages are not supported by any official sources and only intensify public panic. The information circulating on Telegram, IMI noted, has no basis in Defense Forces data or other official channels.

“A rocket lands on your street or the next one over. How would Telegram channels know that? Most often, they wouldn’t,”

the institute said. Such posts, according to IMI, “personalize the threat, heighten anxiety, and push people to trust unverified information simply because several channels repeated it at the same time.”

When air raid alerts sound, IMI urges people to rely on official statements and reputable media outlets. That, the institute says, can help avoid disinformation and prevent panic.

As Russia’s war on Ukraine continues, the spread of false warnings has become a major concern for civil society. The ability to separate reliable reporting from rumors is critical for public safety and resilience. IMI’s appeal represents a broader effort to slow the spread of panic-driven disinformation and steer Ukrainians toward trustworthy sources.

In a related context, the ongoing disinformation surrounding the conflict has escalated, as evidenced by the recent false narratives targeting Sumy. These misleading claims, which suggest a surrender, highlight the broader issue of misinformation that can exacerbate public fear and confusion. For a deeper understanding of this tactic and its implications, see how such strategies are being deployed in various regions of Ukraine, including Sumy, in our detailed report on the situation regarding disinformation efforts.