Russian pranksters fool OpenAI officials in Ukraine call

Nov 12, 2026
Russian pranksters posing as a Ukrainian intelligence official tricked three senior OpenAI staff members into discussing the company's military work with Ukraine.

Russian pranksters posing as Ukraine's foreign intelligence chief tricked three senior OpenAI national security officials into a video call about the company's military work with Ukraine, The Intercept reports. The duo, known as Vovan and Lexus, said they impersonated Rustem Umerov, and the call lasted 17 minutes.

OpenAI officials discussed possible offensive uses of the company's technology, contact with the Pentagon about supporting Ukraine, and work involving the Ukrainian government. They also referred to Daybreak Blue, an AI model for fixing computer vulnerabilities, and early work with Ukraine's Ministry of Defense.

OpenAI said it began investigating the call weeks earlier and concluded that it was a prank by people with a history of targeting officials and companies. The company said it worked internally and with relevant authorities, then took steps to prevent similar incidents.

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