Russia and US seek to block plan for binding rules on autonomous weapons
Summary
Russia, the United States, Israel and other countries oppose setting a timetable to negotiate binding international rules on autonomous weapons at a United Nations conference in Geneva this month. Supporters, including a coalition of 50 states and the International Committee of the Red Cross, are urging negotiations, while the United Kingdom says existing international humanitarian law is sufficient.Key Facts
- The UN review conference on certain conventional weapons is scheduled for 16–20 November in Geneva and is expected to include 128 countries.
- The conference could decide whether to establish a time-limited mandate to negotiate a legally binding instrument on autonomous weapons.
- UN discussions on autonomous weapons have been under way for nearly three years.
- A coalition of 50 countries called on 22 October for the conference to approve a strict negotiating mandate.
- The International Committee of the Red Cross said more than 70 states support beginning negotiations on a legal instrument.
- The Ireland-led proposal calls for an expert group to negotiate rules in three sessions in Geneva in 2027, lasting 25 days in total.
- The United Kingdom did not support the Irish-led statement and has said existing international humanitarian law provides a sufficient basis for regulation.
- Ukraine reported in July that Russia used an AI-guided drone that struck a propane tank at a fuel station in Zaporizhzhia.
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