Ukraine’s AI persona speaks for its foreign ministry

Our world benefits greatly from globalization, which involves countries working together. Diplomats play an essential role in maintaining this status quo. 

Job portal Indeed says a diplomat is a “foreign policy leader who travels to other countries to help further the interests of their home country.” 

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That becomes increasingly difficult in times of conflict. Consequently, the Ukrainian government delegated reading official statements to an AI persona named Victoria Shi. 

How will Ukraine’s AI spokesperson work?

The introductory video above shows Victoria Shi represented by a 3D avatar. She wears a dark turtleneck blazer and blazer with a yellow and blue ministry logo on her lapel.

She will be sharing operational and verified consular information with the public via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and social media channels. 

Shi will inform journalists of the agency’s efforts in protecting Ukrainian citizens’ rights and interests. Moreover, she will broadcast news and emergencies. 

The AI persona explains her first name symbolizes the country’s ultimate goal, “the victory of Ukraine.” Also, her last name is an abbreviation of “shtuchniy intelekt,” which is Ukrainian for “artificial intelligence.” 

Forbes reported the ministry employed this digital entity to give human diplomats more time for important tasks, especially during wartime.

“Real diplomats will be able to be more effective and focus on other tasks of providing assistance to citizens,” Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba said.

Ukraine’s AI bot says she’s part of a broader strategy to incorporate technology into national diplomatic efforts.

However, the ministry emphasized that humans will write Victoria Shi’s messages. More importantly, she will not replace its main spokesperson.

The organization ensured the AI spokesperson’s legitimacy with QR codes for its messages. The code leads to the AI statement’s text version on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

“In case of absence of such a QR code or transition to any other website, the video is not considered authentic,” the agency added.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs designed her virtual character on Ukrainian singer and influencer Rosalie Nombre. 

She was born in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, which Russia controls. “I am glad that I became the prototype of the first digital state representative,” Nombre posted on Instagram.