Valery Zaluzhny, Ukraine’s ambassador to London and former commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has said that combat robots could eventually become a new form of nuclear weapon.

Speaking at a press conference in a media centre, Zaluzhny argued that future robotic systems could allow an operator located thousands of kilometres away to inflict massive damage on another country’s critical infrastructure. As an example, he suggested that someone in Australia could potentially use robots to destroy Poland’s entire energy infrastructure.

TIME previously reported that the first combat robotic systems had already been delivered to Ukraine, with the technology eventually expected to replace some soldiers on the battlefield.

According to the magazine, at least two experimental Phantom MK-1 robots are intended for testing under real combat conditions. Their initial roles include reconnaissance, cargo transport and infantry support. Military experts, however, believe such platforms could ultimately be used for a much broader range of tasks.

Foundation Future Industries has also announced plans to send an upgraded humanoid robot, the Phantom 2, to Ukraine. The new version is expected to include improvements designed to increase autonomy and survivability under intense fire.

Western media have also reported that the company has already received US government contracts for research conducted in the interests of the American Army, Navy and Air Force.