Ukraine could be swiping right on Russians in an attempt to gain intelligence that could help Kyiv’s war effort, Moscow has said.

In a statement published by the Interior Ministry, Russians should stop using dating apps in areas bordering northeastern Ukraine amid the ongoing military incursion by Ukrainian forces. The ministry raised concerns that Ukrainians could be exploiting these platforms to collect sensitive information from unsuspecting individuals.

“The use of online dating services is highly discouraged. The enemy actively uses such resources for gathering information under false pretences,” the Ministry’s statement says.

Many popular Western dating apps such Tinder and Bumble left Russia in 2022 following Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. As a result, lonely Russians have instead turned to domestic alternatives, such as Mamba, Twinby and VK Dating.

Locals have also been told to limit the use of cameras, which Kyiv could be remotely accessing to gain intelligence and monitor properties and transportation routes.

"The enemy is extensively identifying IP ranges in our territories and remotely connecting to unsecured surveillance cameras, monitoring everything—from private yards to strategically important roads and highways,” the statement says. “Therefore, if there's no urgent need, it's better not to use surveillance cameras.”

In addition to advising civilians, the Interior Ministry has also issued guidance to military personnel. Soldiers are urged to avoid using phones that contain sensitive personal information and to delete the contacts of fellow soldiers who have been captured by Ukrainian forces.

This heightened state of alert follows a significant incursion by Ukrainian forces into the Kursk region two weeks ago. Kyiv has claimed control over more than 1,250 square kilometres of Russian territory, including 92 towns and villages.