Ukraine pushes ahead with new home-built AI system powered by Google’s open tools

In a remarkable breakthrough, Ukraine is developing a large language model (LLM) utilising Google’s open-weight Gemma framework. 

According to the country’s digital ministry and mobile operator Kyivstar, the initiative aims to build an independent AI system capable of supporting growing military and civilian needs.

Relying initially on Google’s computing infrastructure before shifting fully to domestic systems, Ukraine says the project will ensure complete national control over AI technologies used by more than 23 million citizens daily. 

Kyivstar noted that the model is expected to form the backbone of next-generation AI-powered public and private services across Ukraine.

"The Ukrainian LLM is expected to serve as the foundation for a new generation of AI-powered services across the public and private sectors in Ukraine," he stated.

Officials emphasised that Ukraine wants to avoid paying millions to foreign providers while reducing reliance on proprietary platforms. 

Deputy Minister Oleksandr Bornyakov previously explained that the military intends to integrate AI into battlefield coordination tools, while also rejecting Chinese alternatives over security concerns.

Google’s Gemma was selected for its multilingual strengths, reinforcing Ukraine’s technological ties with the United States following Kyivstar’s Nasdaq listing in 2025.

The system is also designed to address communication gaps that existing models struggle with, especially in regions where Ukrainian, Russian and Bulgarian dialects blend.