Kyivstar and Ukraine Forge National AI Language Model to Boost Digital Sovereignty

Kyivstar and Ukraine Government Partner on National Large Language Model

Kyivstar, owned by Veon, has entered into an agreement with Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation to develop the country's first national large language model (LLM) based exclusively on Ukrainian-language data. This initiative focuses on incorporating regional dialects, cultural context, and national terminology to provide AI services aligned with local requirements.

The LLM will support practical applications across government, healthcare, finance, and education sectors. Unlike general-purpose global models, it promises to deliver accurate insights that reflect Ukraine’s unique linguistic and cultural environment.

Focus on Data Sovereignty and Security

The model will be constructed on open-source frameworks and trained using Ukrainian data sources. All data storage and processing will take place within Ukraine, safeguarding national security and data sovereignty.

Kyivstar will lead the development efforts in collaboration with the Ministry and the WinWin AI Centre of Excellence, Ukraine’s national platform for technology testing. The first version of the LLM is scheduled for release by December 2025.

Strategic Investment for Digital Infrastructure

This project is part of Veon's $1 billion investment plan to rebuild Ukraine’s digital infrastructure from 2023 to 2027. Veon's CEO Kaan Terzioglu described the partnership as a key step in establishing a secure and culturally relevant AI environment that empowers users with tools enriched by their native language and national resources.

Kyivstar’s initiative follows Veon’s previous efforts to address language gaps in AI across other markets, including the launch of KazLLM in Kazakhstan and an Urdu language LLM under development in Pakistan.

• Development led by Kyivstar with Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation and WinWin AI Centre of Excellence
• Model trained exclusively on Ukrainian-language data, including regional dialects and national terminology
• Focus on sectors: government, healthcare, finance, education
• Data sovereignty ensured by storing and processing data within Ukraine
• First version expected by December 2025
• Part of Veon’s $1 billion investment in Ukraine’s digital infrastructure (2023–2027)

Government entities looking to leverage AI tools that reflect local languages and contexts will find this development critical in supporting decision-making and digital transformation efforts.

For those interested in AI training and upskilling for government-related applications, explore relevant courses at Complete AI Training.