SBU Urges Ukrainians Not to Film or Share Footage of Enemy Shelling

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has called on Ukrainian citizens to refrain from filming or distributing photographs and videos of Russian shelling, warning that such material is exploited by Russian forces to adjust subsequent strikes.

In a statement, the SBU explained that Russian military analysts monitor open-source content to refine targeting coordinates for repeat attacks. The agency emphasized that publication of such content may be treated as a criminal offense under Article 114-2 of Ukraine's Criminal Code, which covers unauthorized dissemination of information on the movement of Ukrainian armed forces and provision of intelligence to a state waging armed aggression against Ukraine. Violations carry penalties of up to 12 years' imprisonment.

SBU operational units are systematically investigating cases of such dissemination online and prosecuting those responsible. The service did not disclose specific recent cases but reiterated that the measure aims to protect operational security and civilian lives.

The appeal comes amid ongoing Russian missile and drone campaigns against Ukrainian infrastructure and population centers. Authorities have repeatedly stressed that geolocation data embedded in media files can reveal positions of air defense systems, troop concentrations, and critical facilities.

Legal experts note that Article 114-2 was amended after the full-scale invasion to address wartime information security. The SBU urges the public to report suspicious filming activity to law enforcement rather than sharing footage on social media.