Hacking group Squad303 creates tool to send random Russian phones anti-war messages

A hacking group has created a website that allows people around the world to send anonymous messages to people in Russia to tell them the truth about the country's invasion of Ukraine.

Squad303, which uses iconography similar to that of hacking group Anonymous, has created the tool that allows SMS, WhatsApp and email messages to be sent to randomly selected Russians.

The squad says they are an international group of programmers coordinated from Poland. The name comes from an RAF unit of Polish pilots who helped win the Battle of Britain in World War II.

"We the people of the world have a message to the Russian nation. A nation that is to pay a huge price because of the shameful decision of the dictator Putin to attack an independent Ukraine by armed forces," the website states.

"However, nearly 150 million Russians do not know the truth about the causes or course of the war in Ukraine. It is fed with the lies of the Kremlin propaganda. There is no free media in Russia and the internet is censored."

When one of the sending options is clicked on, a random recipient is chosen and a stock message from a selection is pre-populated in Russian for sending with a single click.

One potential email message describes the Ukraine invasion as a "fatal step" leading to huge human losses that undermines the foundations of international security.

"The responsibility for unleashing a new war in Europe lies entirely with Russia," it continues.

"There is no rational justification for this war. Attempts to use the situation in Donbass as a pretext for launching a military operation do not inspire any confidence."

Squad303 said they had received direct evidence that people using the service were doing a "great job".

"The Kremlin is afraid of you," they wrote on Twitter.

"The Russian gov has just implemented full-text censorship of predefined messages that you sent."

However that hasn't stopped the group, who have just uploaded new messages that haven't been blocked.

Squad303 also joined with other groups Anonymous, GhostSec and SHDWSec to send a press release about "Operation Russia".

"The Anonymous Collective of cyberwarriors from across the planet: On March 15th, 2022, we call upon our brothers and sisters to join forces! Let's hit them with everything we got. We will not stop until Ukraine is free!"

Squad303 also said they would like to be able to talk to the media about their operations but are busy "fighting for Ukraine".