Олександр КузьменкоWar
31 July 2026, 18:52
2026-07-31
"Robots should fight everywhere." Mikhail Fedorov spoke about his vision of victory, robotization of the front, and the war of the future
Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov believes that the future of combat operations lies in the transition to direct confrontation between autonomous robotic systems with elements of artificial intelligence. In his opinion, the technologization of the army is the only way to save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers, because already now more than 95% of the occupiers' losses on the front are caused by drones.
Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov believes that the future of combat operations lies in the transition to direct confrontation between autonomous robotic systems with elements of artificial intelligence. In his opinion, the technologization of the army is the only way to save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers, because already now more than 95% of the occupiers' losses on the front are caused by drones.
The former head of the defense department said this in an interview with The New York Times.
In particular, Fedorov answered questions about the reasons for his high-profile resignation, citing among them disputes over military strategy with senior generals and resistance from defense contractor lobbyists. To combat corruption schemes within the ministry, Mikhail Fedorov conducted lie detector tests on officials, which provoked additional resistance from contractors and officials.
«I am absolutely convinced that robots and drones should conduct combat operations wherever possible. This is how we save the lives of our soldiers,» Fedorov stressed. According to him, only those armies that are massively equipped with cheap, smart, and quickly produced weapons will survive in the new era of warfare.
The former head of the Ministry of Defense outlined a clear concept for this transformation:
The first stage is the robotization of the front. Where humans are today, tomorrow sensors, automated turrets, NRCs, and drones will operate.
The second stage is remote control of drones so that operators work at a safe distance from the front line.
The next stage is autonomous systems with artificial intelligence that will independently perform combat missions.
«Technology is not needed for the sake of technology. It is needed so that every Ukrainian soldier returns home alive,» Fedorov noted.
He also assured that during the war he does not plan to join the political opposition and will not join street protests. Mikhail Fedorov rejected the possibility of returning to the government in any other positions, except for heading the defense department. In the event of a transition to the private sector, the ex-head of the Ministry of Digital and Defense plans to develop promising miltech solutions: lasers, humanoid robots and cheap missiles.
As a reminder, Mykhailo Fedorov served as Ukraine’s Defense Minister for six months in 2026 after a long stint as head of the Ministry of Digital Transformation. His dismissal sparked a wave of outrage and mass protests .
UPD. Fedorov received an official offer to become Vice Prime Minister for Military Innovations… and refused again. What else is known about rotations in the power bloc
Fedorov’s successor has said he intends to end the war before his sons reach military age. They are now 9 and 11. Highlights from Yevgeny Khmara’s interview with Lori Loomer
