OpenAI is offering Ukraine free access to its AI cyber defense system, Daybreak, to help protect civilian infrastructure from cyberattacks. The move comes as Ukraine faces nearly 6,000 cyberattacks annually, according to CERT-UA.
TL;DR
- OpenAI provides Ukraine with free access to Daybreak AI for cyber defense.
- Daybreak helps identify and fix vulnerabilities in digital systems.
- The move highlights the growing use of AI in both cyber defense and offense.
What happened
OpenAI has agreed to share its AI cyber defense system, Daybreak, with the Ukrainian government at no cost. The tools are designed to help protect civilian infrastructure, such as hospitals and power plants, from cyberattacks. According to CERT-UA, Ukraine recorded nearly 6,000 cyberattacks in 2025.
Ukrainian cybersecurity officials will gain access to advanced AI models through the Daybreak program. These models are tailored for cybersecurity tasks, including incident response, threat triaging, and vulnerability validation. Dmytro Kushneruk, consul general of Ukraine in San Francisco, emphasized that AI can significantly enhance the capabilities of cyber defenders.
Why it matters
The provision of Daybreak AI tools underscores the critical role of AI in modern cyber defense strategies. By automating and enhancing cybersecurity tasks, AI can help defenders act faster and more effectively. This initiative is particularly important given the increasing sophistication and frequency of cyberattacks.
The move also highlights the broader debate over the responsible use of frontier AI models. While AI can be a powerful tool for defense, it also poses risks if misused. OpenAI's decision to provide these tools for free reflects a commitment to supporting Ukraine in the face of ongoing cyber threats.
Key facts
- OpenAI's Daybreak AI system is being offered for free to the Ukrainian government.
- Ukraine faced nearly 6,000 cyberattacks in 2025, according to CERT-UA.
- Daybreak AI models are designed for cybersecurity tasks such as incident response and threat triaging.
- Dmytro Kushneruk, consul general of Ukraine in San Francisco, highlighted the advantages of AI in cyber defense.
- Sasha Baker, Head of National Security Policy at OpenAI, emphasized the importance of AI in enhancing the capabilities of cyber defenders.
- The BBC reported on the broader debate over the use of frontier AI models in cyber defense and offense.
- Anthropic has tightly restricted access to its systems due to concerns about their potential misuse.
- OpenAI has allowed some firms in Europe and UK banks to use its most advanced cyber models.
Context
The provision of Daybreak AI tools to Ukraine is part of a broader trend of AI being used in cyber defense. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, AI can play a crucial role in identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities. This initiative also highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing cybersecurity challenges.
The debate over the responsible use of AI in cyber defense is ongoing. While AI can be a powerful tool for defense, it also poses risks if misused. Companies like OpenAI and Anthropic are grappling with how to balance the benefits of AI with the need to prevent its misuse.
