ETHICS OF USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN INFORMATION WARS: THE UKRAINIAN CONTEXT

This article explores the multifaceted ethical challenges arising from the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the sphere of information warfare, with a strong focus on the Russian-Ukrainian war. As AI becomes increasingly prevalent in the creation, analysis, dissemination, and manipulation of information, its potential to influence public perception and strategic communication grows substantially. The authors critically examine risks associated with algorithmic decision-making, such as disinformation, deepfake technologies, data privacy violations, and the lack of transparency in automated systems. Emphasis is placed on the need for clear ethical standards and governance mechanisms to ensure responsible AI usage during wartime. The study outlines essential ethical principles – truthfulness, accountability, human rights protection, transparency, and fairness – as foundational values for trustworthy AI systems. It highlights how AI, when used irresponsibly, can exacerbate social fragmentation, fuel distrust in institutions, and distort democratic discourse. Particular attention is given to the importance of ethical education as a strategic tool for cultivating critical thinking, media literacy, and resilience against manipulative technologies. The integration of ethical reasoning into digital policies and academic curricula is deemed crucial for shaping a culture of ethical awareness. The paper advocates for the implementation of national ethical frameworks for AI in Ukraine, institutional oversight, transparent audit systems, and international cooperation to counteract digital threats. These frameworks must also address risks posed by autonomous decisionmaking in military contexts, where mistakes can have irreversible consequences. Additionally, fostering collaboration between governments, civil society, and the tech sector is vital for establishing globally accepted norms of ethical AI behavior. The authors emphasize the importance of balancing innovation with precaution, especially in domains involving national security and citizen well-being. Ethical design practices, including inclusive datasets and culturally sensitive model training, are proposed as long-term safeguards. Finally, the article concludes that sustainable AI development must be grounded in a human-centric vision, where technology serves democratic values rather than undermines them