Palantir CEO Is Betting on The War Tech Of Ukraine’s Ousted Defense Minister

Palantir CEO Alex Karp is backing a new defense technology startup launched by former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a venture aimed at turning Ukraine's battlefield experience into technology that can be used by Kyiv and allied countries.

In a video posted by Fedorov on X, Karp said the venture could transform Ukraine's wartime knowledge into products for other countries. "You and your colleagues are launching a company that I think will be defining for the world," Karp said, adding that it could bring Ukraine's knowledge and experience of warfare "as a product to allied countries."

Few details about the startup have been made public. Its name has not been announced, and Fedorov has not disclosed exactly what technologies it will develop or how deeply Karp and Palantir will be involved.

Fedorov's press office said additional stages of cooperation with Palantir would be announced gradually.

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has turned the region into a testing ground for technologies ranging from inexpensive attack and surveillance drones to autonomous systems, AI and sophisticated battlefield software.

"During the full-scale war, our team gained unique experience working with defense technologies in Ukraine and seeing firsthand how technology is transforming modern warfare," Fedorov said in a statement.

The 35-year-old former minister has been one of Ukraine's most prominent advocates for applying commercial technology to defense. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy removed Fedorov as defense minister in July during a major government reshuffle, just six months after he took the position. His dismissal prompted protests in Ukraine.

Since leaving government, Fedorov has increasingly turned toward the U.S. technology and investment community as he develops projects tied to Ukraine's defense sector. The startup backed by Karp is not his only effort.

Fedorov is also seeking U.S. support for a separate defense technology investment fund that would target areas including battlefield robotics, interceptor drones and AI-enabled missiles.

His ability to attract prominent American technology figures reflects relationships cultivated during the war. Fedorov has also developed ties with Elon Musk, whose SpaceX-operated Starlink satellite internet network became a critical communications system for Ukraine following Russia's invasion.

Last month, Fedorov described Musk as "the most important tech person and entrepreneur in the world for our country," while praising Starlink's efforts to prevent Russian forces from using the satellite internet service.