Ukraine to focus on frontline robotics, cheap interceptors, and strike missiles, ex-DM Fedorov says

Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov returned to Kyiv following a trip to the US, where he shared updates on his discussions. He unveiled ambitious plans to establish Ukraine's largest venture fund for defense technology and a think tank to project the war's trajectory. In his previous role as defense minister, Fedorov spearheaded Ukraine's transition towards drones, robotics, and data-driven warfare.

His dismissal in July ignited the only wartime protests in the nation's history, subsequently reshaping the military's leadership. The venture fund, set to be headquartered in Kyiv, will focus on funding both fledgling defense tech startups and established companies capable of scaling their systems. Fedorov attributed his success to his extensive network, particularly those cultivated through Palantir.

The latter is a prominent tech company with clientele comprising the CIA, FBI, Pentagon, and the US military. Palantir's collaboration with Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation, Education and Science, and Economy resulted in signed memorandums of understanding in 2023-2024. Fedorov did not disclose the fund's name, its capital, or a launch date.

He also revealed the creation of an analytical center tasked with forecasting Russia's strategic decisions and anticipating their subsequent actions. Over the past seven to eight months, Fedorov's team identified key vulnerabilities in Russia's military capabilities, enabling Ukraine to strike first and gain the upper hand both in the air and on the ground.