MOSCOW: President Vladimir Putin has directed the Russian government and the country’s leading bank, Sberbank, to enhance cooperation with China in artificial intelligence (AI). This move, published on the Kremlin’s website on Wednesday, comes three weeks after Putin announced Russia’s intent to collaborate with BRICS partners and other nations to advance AI technologies.
Putin instructed Sberbank, which leads Russia’s AI initiatives, to strengthen technological research and development efforts with China. These directives aim to mitigate the impact of Western sanctions that have hindered Russia’s access to critical technologies, including advanced microchips essential for AI development. Major global chip manufacturers have ceased exports to Russia, creating significant obstacles for its AI ambitions.
Sberbank CEO German Gref acknowledged in 2023 that graphics processing units (GPUs), vital for AI development, remain challenging for Russia to procure. By partnering with non-Western nations, Russia seeks to reduce its dependency on Western technology and counterbalance the dominance of the United States in AI innovation.
On December 11, Putin announced the creation of an AI Alliance Network, uniting specialists from BRICS countries and other interested states. However, Russia currently ranks 31st among 83 nations in AI implementation and innovation, according to the UK-based Tortoise Media’s Global AI Index. Despite trailing the United States, China, and other BRICS nations, Putin’s directive signifies a push to elevate Russia’s position in this critical field.
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