Russians Ordered to Shelters After False Nuclear Strike Alert

Bus passengers in Moscow were instructed to seek safety in bomb shelters following alarming announcements about a potential nuclear strike from Ukraine. The incident occurred on August 12, 2025, when a video captured the moment a warning was broadcast over the bus intercom system, stating, “Attention, attention! Ukraine is threatening us with a nuclear bombardment. Everyone to the shelters!”

Authorities quickly identified that the alert was not a genuine threat but rather the result of a hack. Moscow transport officials confirmed that an unidentified group had infiltrated the network, leading to the fake announcement being played on several buses. A spokesman for the transport authority stated, “Audio messages that did not correspond to reality were played in the buses. Currently, specialists are checking the network infrastructure and eliminating the consequences of unauthorized access.”

The chaotic announcement took place on a bus operated by Transavtoliz, which manages many routes throughout the city. It remains unclear how many buses were affected by the breach, but officials rushed to reassure the public that there was no actual threat requiring evacuation to shelters.

Ukraine, unlike Russia, does not possess nuclear weapons, having relinquished its arsenal in the 1990s under the Budapest Memorandum. This agreement saw Ukraine give up its nuclear capabilities in exchange for assurances from Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom to uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The false alarm comes at a time of heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with ongoing conflict leading to significant casualties on both sides. As the situation escalates, discussions are set to take place between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. They aim to address the ongoing war in Ukraine, although Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will not be part of these talks despite earlier indications.

The urgency of the conflict has resulted in intensified military actions, with Ukraine ramping up its strikes against Russian positions this year. The impact of these developments has been profound, creating chaos in major Russian cities, including disruptions at airports and damage to military assets.

As the conflict continues, President Zelensky remains steadfast in advocating for a ceasefire, emphasizing the need for a “just peace” in light of rising fatalities among both military personnel and civilians. The situation remains fluid, with international attention focused on potential resolutions to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.