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

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/russia-and-us-seek-to-block-plan-for-binding-rules-on-autonomous-weapons/
- Published: 2026-11-06T11:08:33+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-06T11:23:50+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/nov/06/autonomous-weapons-ai-russia-us-binding-rules
- Topics: AI, Americas, Europe, Geopolitics, Politics, Technology, World

## Key points

- Russia and the US oppose a timetable for binding rules on autonomous weapons.
- Fifty states have called for a strict negotiating mandate.
- The proposed talks would run for 25 days in Geneva in 2027.

## Summary

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.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.