Ukraine to Launch Its First National AI Language Model

In a bold step toward digital sovereignty, Ukraine is embarking on a mission to develop its very own large language model (LLM) — a national AI tool trained entirely on Ukrainian-language data. VEON Ltd., the Nasdaq-listed global digital operator, announced today that its Ukrainian subsidiary Kyivstar has partnered with Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation to make this vision a reality.

This landmark cooperation is part of VEON’s broader pledge to invest USD 1 billion in rebuilding and modernizing Ukraine’s digital infrastructure between 2023 and 2027. At the heart of the initiative lies a simple yet powerful idea: empower Ukraine with artificial intelligence tailored to its language, culture, and national priorities.

A Language Model Built by Ukraine, for Ukraine

The planned Ukrainian LLM will be based on open-source AI architectures and trained exclusively on Ukrainian data sources. Beyond simply translating existing AI capabilities, this project aims to capture the rich diversity of Ukrainian dialects, cultural references, historical nuances, and specialized terminology. It’s a project designed not only for convenience but for security too — ensuring that sensitive national data remains safely stored and processed within the country’s borders.

Such data protection is a critical factor, especially for government, defense, healthcare, and financial services, where data sovereignty is non-negotiable. The LLM will also lay the groundwork for AI-powered applications across public administration, education, finance, and healthcare, offering Ukrainians AI tools built with a deep understanding of their own context, rather than relying on generic global models.

“Today’s agreement is a major milestone in building a sovereign, secure and culturally relevant AI ecosystem to drive economic growth, while empowering Ukrainians with tools that enhance their lives,” said Kaan Terzioglu, CEO of VEON Group. According to Terzioglu, the Ukrainian LLM will give users access to AI solutions enriched with the depth and nuance of their native language and cultural heritage.

An AI Ecosystem with National Impact

Kyivstar will work closely with Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation and the WINWIN AI Centre of Excellence to develop the new LLM, with the first version expected to be ready by December 2025. Oleksandr Komarov, CEO of Kyivstar, emphasized that leading the development of Ukraine’s national AI model aligns perfectly with the operator’s long-term digital strategy.

“With Kyivstar’s deep technological expertise, AI capabilities, and commitment to national development, we are proud to contribute to Ukraine’s digital sovereignty while delivering locally relevant innovation,” Komarov said.

This announcement also highlights VEON’s expanding strategy to bridge the AI language gap for underrepresented languages across its global markets. By supporting LLM initiatives in regions with unique linguistic and cultural needs, the company is positioning itself as a pioneer in digital inclusion through AI.

Part of a Growing Regional AI Movement

The Ukrainian LLM isn’t VEON’s first foray into national AI models. In Kazakhstan, the company launched KazLLM in December 2024 in partnership with QazCode, the Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence at Nazarbayev University, and Astana Hub. Today, this AI engine powers the “AI Tutor” feature on the popular Janymda super-app, providing personalized education support in Kazakh.

Meanwhile, in Pakistan, VEON’s Jazz is collaborating with the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) and the National Information Technology Board (NITB) to develop an Urdu language LLM, aiming to make AI tools more accessible for millions of local users.

These projects underline a clear regional ambition: to ensure that AI development is inclusive, culturally aware, and accessible in native languages often overlooked by major global tech players. Ukraine’s entry into this movement represents both a strategic necessity and an opportunity to redefine its digital landscape in a rapidly evolving tech-driven world.