In brief
OpenAI is providing the Ukrainian government free access to Daybreak, an AI‑driven cyber‑defence tool, to safeguard civilian sites such as hospitals and power plants. The move follows a 100‑% spike in cyber incidents in 2025 and underlines the growing importance of AI in both attack and defence. Russian cyber‑operations have been a key element of its war strategy, prompting calls from security experts for stronger cyber safeguards. Experts note that while the tool could offer a force‑multiplier for Ukraine, it also highlights the dual‑use nature of advanced AI models that can be weaponised by adversaries.
OpenAI has announced that Ukraine will receive free access to Daybreak, its AI‑enabled cyber‑defence tool, to help protect civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and power plants, from escalating cyber attacks.
\ \The Computer Emergency Response Team of Ukraine (CERT‑UA) reported nearly 6,000 attacks in 2025, underscoring the urgent need for robust cyber security.
\Daybreak uses advanced machine‑learning models to quickly identify system weaknesses and recommend remediation steps. Under the agreement, Ukraine will also gain access to OpenAI’s GPT‑5.6 Sol model, a top-tier AI rival to Anthropic’s Mythos and Fable.
\Political Context: The move comes amid ongoing Russian cyber‑offensives that have been a key component of the Kremlin’s war strategy against Ukraine since 2014. Experts warn that such high‑power AI tools can be double‑edged, enhancing defence while potentially empowering attackers.
\George Osborne, former UK chancellor and OpenAI Head for Countries, said, Protecting civilian infrastructure means defending it against both physical and digital attacks, so people can continue to live, work and access essential services.
\Any initiative that strengthens Ukraine’s cyber defence is a welcome development and could provide a valuable force multiplier, said Rafe Pilling, senior director of threat intelligence at Sophos.
\Cyber‑security researcher Jamie MacColl of the Royal United Services Institute noted that Western tech firms have supported Ukraine for altruistic reasons and also gain intelligence from conflict data, making OpenAI’s assistance unsurprising.
\While Ukrainian forces already leverage AI tools from competitors such as Google, the Daybreak system adds depth to the nation’s defensive strategy.
\OpenAI’s decision aligns with the broader conversation on regulating AI at the United Nations General Assembly, where leaders highlighted the dual use of powerful models.
\Additional reporting by Chris Vallance\
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