Russians use AI to ‘resurrect’ soldiers killed in Ukraine

A controversial trend is emerging in Russia, where grieving families are using artificial intelligence to create lifelike digital avatars of loved ones killed in the war in Ukraine. The practice sits at the intersection of Russia’s ongoing military offensive, rapid advances in AI technology, and profound personal grief. Families provide old photos, videos, and voice recordings to AI developers, who then generate interactive simulations that can speak and move like the deceased. Critics and psychologists warn the technology may delay natural grieving processes, while some users say it offers a way to cope with sudden loss. The trend remains largely unregulated, raising ethical questions about consent and the long-term emotional impact on survivors.