Russia and US seek to block plan for binding rules on autonomous weapons

Russia, the US and other states are opposing a plan to begin negotiations on legally binding rules for autonomous weapons, putting a possible agreement at risk. A UN conference in Geneva this month is seen as a key opportunity to set a timetable for negotiations, after nearly three years of discussions and growing concern about the pace of weapons development and use.

A coalition of 50 countries has called for a strict negotiating mandate, while the International Committee of the Red Cross says more than 70 states support starting talks on a legal instrument. The proposed plan would task an expert group with negotiating rules over three sessions in Geneva in 2027, totalling 25 days, and submitting a draft protocol later that year. The UK has not backed the proposal, arguing that existing humanitarian law can provide a basis for regulation.