Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, stated in a mid-week interview, "The demand for data is immense. We are carefully considering how to share the imagery we've collected with our Western allies. I believe this is one of the 'bargaining chips,' as colleagues and partners often say, to build mutually beneficial relationships,".

Fedorov emphasized the invaluable nature of the battlefield data Ukraine has acquired over three years of conflict, implying it won't be shared freely. "We are developing a policy to organize this process properly," he added.

This comment comes as Kyiv seeks to bolster industrial and defense cooperation with Western partners. Ukraine promotes itself as a "weapons testing ground" for friendly manufacturers and has received drones from hundreds of foreign defense companies.

Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov in Kyiv on 26/8. _Photo: Reuters_

Access to vast amounts of data is crucial for training AI models. This is an urgent need for the global defense industry, especially for drone swarm technology.

While civilian activity data is readily available on the market, combat data is not. Footage from suicide drones provides detailed insights into their battlefield movements and target engagement, while reconnaissance drones offer a comprehensive overview of the battlefield situation.

Reuters suggests the conflict has provided Kyiv with a rare trove of battlefield data, potentially demonstrating Ukraine's value to the US and its allies.

Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump claimed Ukraine had "no leverage" for negotiations, while attempting to mediate an end to the conflict.

Pham Giang (_Adapted from Reuters, Business Insider_)