Ukraine could stop the testing of South Korean AI technologies at the front because of a diplomatic conflict

The Ukrainian side allegedly demanded to stop testing artificial intelligence-based software for artillery units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. According to the head of the South Korean company Newtype Industries, the corresponding decision may be related to the diplomatic conflict between Ukraine and South Korea due to the disclosure of information about the transfer of prisoners of war from the DPRK.

Why Ukraine could stop testing technologies

According to Cho Seung-won, in mid-October he received a message from a Ukrainian representative demanding to stop testing the Barbara software, which the company was developing for use by artillery units.

The interlocutor allegedly explained to the entrepreneur that the corresponding order came from the top management.

At the same time, the head of Newtype Industries did not specify who made such a decision.

In his opinion, the termination of cooperation could be a consequence of the deterioration of diplomatic relations between Kyiv and Seoul after the dispute over the disclosure of information about the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war.

There is no official confirmation of the reasons for the possible termination of the tests from the Ukrainian side in the above message.

What is known about the Barbara artificial intelligence system

The Barbara software was developed to optimize communication between servicemen of artillery units and increase the accuracy of the transmission of information about targets.

In particular, the system provided for the possibility of voice data entry using a smartphone.

A serviceman could dictate information about the target, after which artificial intelligence would convert it into a structured message for the fire control officer.

In addition, the software was supposed to help detect potential errors in coordinates and warn about the possible location of the target in a civilian area.

At the same time, the final decision to open fire remained with the person, not the artificial intelligence algorithm.

How did cooperation with the Ukrainian military take place

According to the head of Newtype Industries, the company repeatedly tried to establish contacts with Ukrainian military structures to conduct tests of its development.

In the end, the company representatives managed to organize meetings with two Ukrainian units with the assistance of the Canadian consulting company Reaktion Group.

The last contacts of the South Korean developers with the Ukrainian military and local partners took place in mid-October.

Shortly after this, Seoul announced the recall of its ambassador from Kyiv.

What caused the diplomatic conflict

Tensions in relations between Ukraine and South Korea arose after the publication of information about the transfer of two prisoners of war from North Korea to Seoul.

On September 25, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly announced the transfer of prisoners of war.

On the same day, Dmytro Lytvyn, the advisor to the President of Ukraine on communications, stated that there was no agreement between Kyiv and Seoul on the non-disclosure of the relevant information.

However, on September 28, the South Korean presidential administration announced the existence of such an agreement and demanded an apology from Ukraine for the breach of trust.

On October 6, the South Korean side reported receiving an apology from Ukraine, but called it insufficient.

Amidst the diplomatic escalation, according to the head of Newtype Industries, the Ukrainian side initiated the suspension of the Barbara system tests.

It remains unknown at this time whether the decision to suspend the tests was final, and whether the parties plan to resume technological cooperation. Information about the connection between the diplomatic conflict and the suspension of the tests is based on the statements of the head of the South Korean company.