{
  "id": 6010825,
  "title": "Palantir-Backed Ukraine Defence Venture: Fedorov launches secretive startup",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/palantir-backed-ukraine-defence-venture-fedorov-launches-secretive",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-06T17:23:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/alex-karp-ceo-of-americas-biggest-defence-company-palantir-is-going-to-ukraine-says-you-and-your-colleagues-are-/articleshow/133846037.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has announced the launch of a defense technology venture backed by Palantir CEO Alex Karp. Palantir, a leading American defense technology firm, has secured several multi-million dollar contracts with American government agencies, including the Pentagon. Fedorov's new venture aims to transform Ukraine's battlefield innovations into commercial security products for both Ukraine and Western allies. Following his exit from public office, Fedorov has been actively engaging with Silicon Valley to scale Ukraine's defense manufacturing capabilities.\n\nIn addition to the new company, Fedorov is reportedly seeking US capital for a defense technology fund that focuses on autonomous robotics, drone interceptors, and AI-guided missiles. While financial details have not been disclosed, Palantir CEO Karp will serve as the startup's first lead investor. Fedorov's office stated that Karp will oversee the defense startup, praising the initiative as a means to export Ukraine's wartime expertise to partner nations.\n\nIn a video on X, Karp expressed his enthusiasm for the venture, stating that it could redefine the world by utilizing Ukraine's direct combat experience as a product for allied countries. The financial terms of the investment remain undisclosed, and key operational details, including the venture's name, initial product pipeline, and the extent of Karp's role, have not been revealed. Fedorov's team has declined to provide further information, stating that upcoming phases of the partnership will be announced incrementally.\n\nThis move comes as Ukraine's ongoing war against Russia drives rapid advancements in unmanned systems, battlefield management software, and artificial intelligence. During his tenure in government, 35-year-old Fedorov played a significant role in many of these initiatives. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy replaced Fedorov in July as part of a cabinet reshuffle.\n\nFedorov's ties to US tech leaders are well-established. During his government service, he frequently interacted with major American tech executives, including Elon Musk, whom he has previously called \"the most important tech person and entrepreneur in the world for our country.\" Fedorov's collaboration with Palantir CEO Karp further solidifies these connections, as Karp has a strong relationship with Ukraine's advanced unmanned strike asset. Earlier, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt played a crucial role in developing Project Eagle, which later evolved into Perennial, a cost-effective unmanned aircraft designed for maximum range. Schmidt's involvement in Perennial demonstrates the growing influence of Silicon Valley in Ukraine's defense sector.",
  "summary": "Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov is launching a new defense technology venture. Palantir CEO Alex Karp is serving as the startup's first lead investor. This initiative aims to commercialize Ukraine's battlefield innovations for allies. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt also developed a low-cost drone for Ukraine. These efforts highlight Ukraine's growing defense technology sector.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}