Ukrainian Telegram channels have been posting lists of neighbourhoods, streets, and even specific addresses where Russia is allegedly planning to strike. Such posts cite no official, vetted sources, yet they get shared quickly across the network and may cause panic among users, a July 2026 study by the Institute of Mass Information (IMI) showed.
The study found that one such post was shared, with few to no alterations, by at least 26 Telegram channels on 26 July. It originated on an anonymous channel called eRadar and later picked up by large channels with millions of subscribers. Some administrators later edited their posts to remove the list of streets but did not explain the reasons for the edit.
IMI media analyst Yana Mashkova stresses that such posts create a false impression of reliable information and make the threat feel more personal for the channels’ readers.
“A person seeing their own street, or a neighbouring one, on the list may perceive it as a real threat — especially if they come across such posts several times on various Telegram channels,” Yana Mashkova says.
IMI found no official statements by Ukraine’s Air Force that would have contained lists of neighbourhoods or streets likely to be targeted in future air strikes.
IMI recommends relying on high-quality, verified sources for news, such as media outlets featured in the High Quality List or the Map of Recommended Media. These newsrooms adhere to journalistic standards, are accountable to their audience, and notify their readers of any errors or updates.
By contrast, anonymous Telegram channels may delete or edit their posts with no explanation or word to their subscribers. Being anonymous, the administrators of such channels cannot be held accountable, nor can the reasons behind such actions be established.
