Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Fedorov pitches a private-sector robot army
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Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has proposed a private-sector initiative to create a robot army, aiming to accelerate the shift toward full battlefield robotics. Speaking at IT Arena 2026 in Lviv, he highlighted that drones now account for over 95 percent of target engagements and noted Ukraine's extensive ecosystem of more than 700 drone manufacturers. The project seeks to build an ecosystem of private defense technology firms through investment, new tech launches, and large-scale military testing. Fedorov explicitly stated on Telegram that robots should fight instead of humans, although it remains unclear if these systems will make autonomous attack decisions. This announcement marks a significant shift from ongoing UN debates on limiting autonomous weapons to active promotion of combat robotics. The initiative serves as both a technological push and psychological warfare intended to intimidate Russia and attract investors. While the humanoid robots featured in promotional trailers are not yet battle-ready, the move underscores the rapid evolution of AI in modern conflict.
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