Google explained that the satellite images depicting Ukraine’s defence infrastructure were taken more than a year ago and obtained from open sources. According to Ekonomichna Pravda, Google’s press service stressed that the company deliberately does not post current images from the war zones to ensure the security of information.
‘We take such requests very seriously and are in constant communication with Ukrainian officials,’ Google representatives said, adding that they are working to prevent leaks of data on the location of Ukraine’s defence systems.
The situation attracted the attention of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine after updated maps showing the location of military facilities appeared on Google’s platforms. According to Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Centre for Countering Disinformation, the Ukrainian side asked the company to remove the images, but no response was immediately received over the weekend.
Following the media coverage, Google responded promptly and began working to resolve the issue. Further discussions between Ukrainian representatives and Google are planned to prevent similar incidents and reduce risks to national security.
