Russian families use AI to 'resurrect' loved ones killed in Ukraine

The highly controversial trend lies at the intersection of Russia's war on Ukraine, new AI technologies and grief.

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"The Special Military Operation is over," one fictional billboard reads, using the Kremlin-approved term for its war on Ukraine. "Our heroes are coming home."

Underneath, a beautiful, airbrushed woman pushing a stroller turns to see a man in military uniform and throws her arms around his neck in tears.

The 15-second AI-generated clip was posted on Instagram by a popular blogger with the online name Katya Jin, and the couple appear to be modelled on her and her husband.

In reality, like tens of thousands Russian soldiers, he disappeared at the front. His fate remains unknown.