Russian hackers reportedly managed to tap into a Ukrainian livestream to distribute a fake surrender message from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The move comes as Vladimir Putin's 'special military operation' continues into its 21st day. Amid the frontline conflict, with thousands killed between civilians and troops on either side, a 'cyber war' has been ongoing.
Early in the war, Anonymous announced it was targeting Russia, and has 'proven to be a very capable group that has penetrated some high value targets, records and databases in the Russian Federation,' according to a recent report.
Just yesterday, March 15, Ukrainian authorities announced they'd detained a 'hacker' accused of being on 'thousands' of phone calls to Russian officials, as well as sending text messages to Ukrainian officials suggesting they surrender.
Advert
Now, footage has emerged online of Ukraine 24's stream being hacked with a message supposedly from Zelenskyy, saying he's 'capitulating' and calling for everyone to 'give up arms'.
'WARNING! Ukraine 24 TV channel has been hacked! Now they are broadcasting a text tape with a fake address by Volodymyr Zelensky. We emphasise that no one is going to capitulate,' EMPR.MEDIA tweeted.
'Enemy hackers have hacked the TV channel Ukraine 24 and are broadcasting Zelenskyy's message about the alleged 'surrender'. IT'S FAKE! Nobody is going to give up,' another user tweeted.
Advert
The claims were quickly debunked, with Zelenskyy releasing a video in which he said 'the only ones who should give up arms are Russian soldiers'.
'Russians hacked one of our TV channels with a message that Zelenskyy allegedly asked the Ukrainian army to put down the weapons and surrender. Zelenskyy himself immediately recorded a video debunking this, quote, 'childish provocation'. God bless social networks,' one user wrote.
In his most recent nightly address, Zelenskyy said: 'We all want peace. As soon as possible. We all want to win. And there is always a feeling that a little more, and we will get what belongs to us, Ukraine, by right.
Advert
'But efforts are still needed. It takes patience. We still have to fight. And work – everyone in their place. Everyone. In particular, our representatives, our delegation in negotiations with the Russian Federation. It is important. It is difficult, but important, because any war ends in an agreement.
'Meetings continue. As I am told, the positions in the negotiations sound more realistic. However, time is still needed for the decisions to be in Ukraine's interests.'
If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information
Topics: Russia, Ukraine, World News, Volodymyr Zelensky
