information warfare

The encrypted messaging app Signal has stopped responding to inquiries from Ukrainian law enforcement about Russian cyber threats, raising concerns that this inaction is aiding Russian intelligence operations. Ukrainian officials, including Serhii Demediuk from the National Security and Defense Council, claim that Signal's lack of engagement is allowing Russian actors to exploit the app for espionage against Ukrainian military and government personnel. Ukraine had previously communicated with Signal about misuse, but the app has not addressed these issues. In contrast, Ukrainians are increasingly using Signal as a safer alternative to Telegram, which has faced scrutiny for potential exploitation by Russian intelligence. Meanwhile, U.S.-Ukraine cooperation has been affected by changes in American foreign policy, including a freeze on U.S. foreign aid and a temporary halt in intelligence sharing, impacting Ukraine's cyber capabilities.