Fedorov Says Palantir CEO Will Back Ukraine Defense Tech Company

Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who currently serves as an advisor to the Italian Ministry of Defense, said Palantir Chief Executive Alex Karp will become the first key investor in a new Ukrainian defense technology company. Fedorov announced the plans on Tuesday, Sept. 1, saying that the company will develop technologies Ukraine urgently needs to defend itself against Russia’s full-scale invasion.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. “We are working on establishing our own defense technology company,” Fedorov said, adding that the planned company would strengthen Ukraine and contribute to “a safer future for the whole world.” Further details will be announced later, Fedorov noted. Fund priorities The announcement came as Fedorov met with Nate Fick, a former US ambassador for cyberspace and digital policy and the current senior managing director at Cerberus Capital Management, and Guy Filippelli, founder and managing partner of Squadra Ventures. Their discussions centered on Ukraine’s defense technology ecosystem, the international expansion of Ukrainian technology companies, and attracting foreign capital. “The more international investment and expertise we attract to Ukraine’s defense-tech sector, the faster we will be able to develop and scale technologies that give Ukraine an advantage on the battlefield,” Fedorov said. Fedorov named three key technology areas during the launch of the initiative – battlefield robotics, low-cost artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled missiles, and jet-powered interceptor drones. Other Topics of Interest Ukraine’s Ombudsman Warns of ‘Systemic’ Mobilization Corruption, Says Men Can Be Smuggled Out for $70,000 Lubinets said Ukraine has come “very close” to a point of no return over abuses and corruption in the mobilization system. Throughout his tenure, which lasted from January until his ouster amid a broader cabinet reshuffle on July 15, Fedorov’s main focus was digitizing the military, while simultaneously helping preserve soldiers’ lives on the battlefield. Because of this, Ukraine has increasingly relied on AI-supported unmanned technology, including ground robotic systems that are now a regular presence on the front, performing logistical tasks and providing combat support. According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, as of June 9, the Ukrainian military had already carried out more than 50,000 logistics and evacuation missions using GRCs (Ground Robotic Complexes). Fedorov said the next step would be to form a team, present a transparent plan, and launch the first project. In an interview with Politico published on July 1, Fedorov urged Ukraine’s partners to quickly increase military assistance, arguing that speed had become a decisive factor on the battlefield, and that Ukraine now has a limited opportunity to maintain pressure on Russia before Moscow eventually adapts to Kyiv’s latest military innovations. Fedorov’s new role Fedorov, the youngest defense minister in Ukrainian history, left his post over alleged disagreements with the former commander-in-chief over defense reforms and procurement. He was replaced by Yevhen Khmara, a former commander in the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), though his ouster sparked nationwide protests, calling for his reinstatement. On Aug. 28, Fedorov accepted Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto’s invitation to serve as an adviser on defense innovation. “Ukraine’s experience can become the foundation for a new European defense model,” Fedorov said, adding that “the future of defense belongs to countries able to quickly test and scale new solutions, combining technology with strong manufacturing.” He said his main focus would remain Ukraine, where he will continue working on projects intended to reinforce the country’s defenses and attract international resources. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 97% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.