The warning comes amid Kyiv’s offensive in the western Russian region of Kursk, where Ukrainian troops have been steadily advancing and capturing more territory since launching a surprise incursion two weeks ago.

On Tuesday, Russia’s interior ministry urged residents of the border regions of Bryansk, Kursk and Belgorod to refrain from using dating apps.

“The use of online dating services is strongly discouraged. The enemy is actively using them to gather information,” said a spokesperson for the interior ministry, quoted by Russian news agency Interfax.

The warning also extends to the use of security cameras.

“The enemy is identifying IP address ranges in our territories, remotely accessing unprotected security cameras, monitoring everything from private yards to strategic roads and highways,” the spokesperson said, adding that “unless necessary, it is better not to use security cameras.”

The ministry also advised military personnel to avoid using phones containing sensitive personal data and to delete the contact information of soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces.

“It is important to monitor and moderate chats and to quickly delete the accounts of people captured by the enemy or those whose phones have been compromised,” the spokesperson added.

As of Tuesday, Ukrainian forces had reportedly advanced 28 to 35 kilometers (17 to 22 miles) into the Kursk region, capturing over 93 settlements, or 1,263 square kilometers in total.