Mykhailo Fedorov Proposes Private-Sector Robot Army at IT Arena 2026

Mykhailo Fedorov, the former Ukrainian Defense Minister, announced at IT Arena 2026 that 95 percent of target engagements in Ukraine are conducted by drones. He highlighted the presence of 700 drone manufacturers in Ukraine, underscoring the country's significant capabilities in drone technology. Fedorov stated, "Robots should fight, not people," advocating for a shift towards 'full-scale battlefield robotisation.' This follows the Future of Life Institute's release of the 'Slaughterbots' film nine years ago, which raised ethical concerns about autonomous weapons. The UK has emerged as the first buyer of AI combat data, indicating a growing interest in integrating AI into military operations. The discussion around whether these robots would make autonomous attack decisions remains unresolved, posing critical questions for future military strategies.