Yevhen Volnov, a 39-year-old Ukrainian information-warfare activist, infiltrated a classified virtual meeting of Russian Defence Ministry officials on 6 August, confronting approximately 50 participants with threats and accusations before the session collapsed in what he described as "collective panic."

The intrusion occurred during a budget discussion for Russian army supplies, attended by heads of defence plants and ministry officials. Volnov, using the alias Mykyta Kuvikov, posed initially as a pro-war participant before declaring, "The SBU is watching and will come for every one of you. Get ready. We have information on all of you."

One official responded, "Colleagues, that is a rather strange question," according to the session transcript. Volnov pressed participants on allocations for electronic warfare systems, asking, "Or will it end with a drone strike, followed by prison for failing to meet deadlines?"

The activist runs DrukArmy, a 3D-printing network supporting Ukrainian military efforts. His methods combine public embarrassment with explicit threats. "You are all accomplices of the regime and will answer for its crimes, whatever positions you hold," Volnov told the officials.

Volnov asked participants directly, "You know what you are doing. You know that the blood of innocent people, children and women is on your hands. How do you sleep at night after that?" The session devolved as officials attempted to identify the intruder. One demanded, "Who is this provocateur?" Another asked, "Who is that idiot?" before concluding, "That is it, the meeting is over. Close the meeting."

The sudden appearance of Volnov forced participants to disconnect. "The effect was immediate," Volnov said. "See for yourselves how these 'strategists' and office rats descended into collective panic and began frantically leaving the conference one by one."

During the session, Volnov referenced Ukrainian drone capabilities. "Look, while we are discussing all this here, Ukrainian drones are already reaching all our factories," he told officials. He asked if sufficient budget existed for electronic warfare defences, implying failure could result in both physical destruction and legal consequences.

Volnov thanked unnamed organizers for inadvertently granting him access. "All right, thank you to certain organisers for giving us access," he said. He asserted that Ukrainian intelligence had collected information on all attendees and their activities.

In the aftermath, Volnov claimed the broadcast allowed him to identify every official and company present. He described the meeting as a "corruption session" where participants were allegedly conspiring to misappropriate funds. "This mob gathered to discuss how best to carve up another billion, but their latest corruption session was suddenly interrupted," he said.

Volnov warned that Ukrainian drones could reach any defence industry site. "Very soon absolutely everything there will be burning," he added.

The psychological impact was evident in officials' reactions. As Volnov pressed for answers, demanding, "Tell me. Stop mumbling and speak properly. Why are you stammering and bleating?" participants became increasingly agitated. The disruption ended only when one official insisted the meeting be closed.

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Volnov told the officials they would "face prison at the hands of their own people, while the SBU will deliver fair and inevitable retribution." These statements reflect an intent to instill fear of both immediate and long-term consequences among Russian bureaucrats and defence industry executives.

The fact that a Ukrainian activist could gain access to a confidential meeting of senior defence officials prompts questions about the security of Russian digital infrastructure. According to the transcript, officials were unprepared for the intrusion, with one initially attempting to dismiss Volnov as a provocateur before the group collectively decided to end the meeting.

Volnov has built a reputation for targeting Russian officials through social engineering, often using impersonation to gain access to restricted forums. He claims to "see every meeting you hold, record every frightened face and know every account where you hide your stolen money."

The session involved key figures in the Russian defence sector. The agenda focused on budget allocations for military supplies, critical for Russia's ongoing war effort. The disruption, while not physically damaging, introduced uncertainty and fear into the decision-making process of those responsible for supplying the Russian military.

Volnov's assertion that "it is too late to hide, you scum" and his claim that Ukrainian intelligence has detailed knowledge of Russian officials' activities serve both as a warning and as a means of public shaming. The incident was first reported by Will Stewart in the Daily Mail, with publication at 16:59 BST on 6 August 2026.

The Russian Defence Ministry has not issued a public statement regarding the incident. The lack of an official response leaves open questions about the extent of the breach and the measures being taken to prevent future intrusions.

Volnov's role as an information-war activist and his involvement with DrukArmy place him at the intersection of psychological operations and technological innovation. His use of social engineering to access high-level Russian meetings demonstrates the vulnerability of even ostensibly secure virtual environments.

The hack comes amid escalating information warfare between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides employing digital tools to influence public perception and disrupt enemy operations. Volnov's actions reflect a growing trend of individuals leveraging technology and psychological tactics to achieve strategic objectives.

The close coordination among Russian officials, intended to ensure the smooth supply of military goods, was visibly shaken by the intrusion. The officials' rapid departure from the meeting and their inability to contain the disruption suggest a lack of preparedness for such psychological interventions.

Volnov's campaign is ongoing. He continues to target Russian officials through a combination of public exposure and direct threats, seeking to erode morale and encourage distrust within the Russian defence establishment.

The session's abrupt end, marked by one official's command to "close the meeting," stands as the last verifiable action in a conference intended to be secret but ultimately laid bare by a single determined activist.