This study investigates the impact of ChatGPT on critical thinking and English language learning in Ukrainian university English departments. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, it involved 31 students and three language instructors in surveys and ChatGPT-assisted project-based activities. The research found that 62% of students use ChatGPT weekly for language tasks, indicating its growing role in language learning. Participants reported varied perspectives on its effectiveness in enhancing critical thinking, English skills, and ethical considerations. While ChatGPT offers benefits such as immediate language support and promoting learner independence, it also raises concerns about the authenticity of AI responses, plagiarism risks, and AI dependency. The study highlights the need for careful integration of AI in language education, emphasizing the importance of balancing AI use with traditional teaching methods and addressing ethical issues. The findings suggest that ChatGPT can positively influence cognitive and language-related skills, particularly in decision-making and analytical thinking. However, the study also underscores the importance of maintaining human interaction in language learning and ensuring responsible AI use. The research concludes that while ChatGPT has potential in enhancing language learning, its integration requires careful consideration of ethical, practical, and pedagogical aspects. The study provides insights into how AI can support or hinder language learning and critical thinking, offering recommendations for educators on effectively integrating ChatGPT into curricula. The study also emphasizes the need for educators to foster critical discussions about AI's limitations and ethical considerations, guiding students towards responsible AI use. The research contributes to the understanding of AI's role in language education, highlighting the importance of balancing AI use with human elements in teaching. The study's findings suggest that ChatGPT can be a valuable tool in language learning, but its implementation must be carefully managed to ensure it complements rather than replaces human interaction and teaching. The study also highlights the importance of addressing ethical concerns related to AI use in education, such as plagiarism and the potential loss of human interaction. Overall, the study provides a comprehensive analysis of ChatGPT's role in language education, offering insights into its benefits and challenges, and emphasizing the need for responsible AI integration in educational settings.This study investigates the impact of ChatGPT on critical thinking and English language learning in Ukrainian university English departments. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, it involved 31 students and three language instructors in surveys and ChatGPT-assisted project-based activities. The research found that 62% of students use ChatGPT weekly for language tasks, indicating its growing role in language learning. Participants reported varied perspectives on its effectiveness in enhancing critical thinking, English skills, and ethical considerations. While ChatGPT offers benefits such as immediate language support and promoting learner independence, it also raises concerns about the authenticity of AI responses, plagiarism risks, and AI dependency. The study highlights the need for careful integration of AI in language education, emphasizing the importance of balancing AI use with traditional teaching methods and addressing ethical issues. The findings suggest that ChatGPT can positively influence cognitive and language-related skills, particularly in decision-making and analytical thinking. However, the study also underscores the importance of maintaining human interaction in language learning and ensuring responsible AI use. The research concludes that while ChatGPT has potential in enhancing language learning, its integration requires careful consideration of ethical, practical, and pedagogical aspects. The study provides insights into how AI can support or hinder language learning and critical thinking, offering recommendations for educators on effectively integrating ChatGPT into curricula. The study also emphasizes the need for educators to foster critical discussions about AI's limitations and ethical considerations, guiding students towards responsible AI use. The research contributes to the understanding of AI's role in language education, highlighting the importance of balancing AI use with human elements in teaching. The study's findings suggest that ChatGPT can be a valuable tool in language learning, but its implementation must be carefully managed to ensure it complements rather than replaces human interaction and teaching. The study also highlights the importance of addressing ethical concerns related to AI use in education, such as plagiarism and the potential loss of human interaction. Overall, the study provides a comprehensive analysis of ChatGPT's role in language education, offering insights into its benefits and challenges, and emphasizing the need for responsible AI integration in educational settings.