The Ukrainian Armed Forces have signaled a need to adjust how street surveillance cameras operate within Ukrainian cities to protect the integrity of air defense assets. Yuriy Ignat, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force Command, described this as a crucial step in ensuring the security and effectiveness of the nation’s air defense network amid ongoing tensions.
News outlets reported that, even under martial law, cameras across the country continue to provide live views of urban landscapes. These feeds could potentially be used to observe the deployment and functioning of air defense systems in real time, raising concerns about operational security and the potential exposure of military activity to a broad audience.
During a recent briefing, Ignat addressed questions about the frequent appearance of videos online showing air defense activity. He explained that the concern is not the public posting of such footage itself, but rather the fact that street-level CCTV coverage remains accessible in public spaces, which could unintentionally reveal sensitive information about military readiness and response capabilities.
Ignat indicated that military authorities are prepared to work with civilian authorities to implement measures that reduce the risk of online surveillance of combat operations. The goal is to balance public safety, civilian privacy, and national security while maintaining clear lines of reporting and accountability for air defense activities.
He noted that collaboration would extend beyond government ministries to include local communities and residents. Even ordinary citizens, including children who can capture events from their windows, may contribute to the dissemination of real-time military activity through cameras in their homes and neighborhoods. This reality necessitates a joint approach to security and information management at the local level.
In March of the previous year, Ukraine’s president issued a decree reinforcing the prohibition on publishing images of military installations and the operational details of air defense systems during martial law. The measure aims to limit the spread of sensitive information that could be exploited by adversaries while still allowing for responsible public reporting and safety communications.
Earlier in April 2023, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) disclosed an incident involving the transfer of photographs from the Odessa region connected to a missile attack, which was noted by Dutch journalist Robert Dulmers. The case underscored ongoing concerns about how the war is documented and the potential for material obtained from conflict zones to surface in international media, regardless of editorial boundaries or legal restrictions.