Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed the government and the country’s largest bank, Sberbank, to enhance cooperation with China in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). According to the Kremlin’s website, this directive follows an announcement made three weeks ago, where Putin stated that Russia would collaborate with BRICS partners and other nations to advance AI development, as reported by Reuters.
Western sanctions have disrupted Russia’s access to critical technologies, particularly equipment needed for the ongoing war in Ukraine. Major microchip manufacturers have halted exports to Russia, posing significant challenges to its AI technology development efforts.
In 2023, Sberbank CEO Herman Gref admitted that replacing graphics processing units (GPUs), which are essential for AI development, is difficult for Russia.
In response to these challenges and to counter U.S. dominance, Russia is strengthening cooperation with China and other non-Western nations. On December 11, Putin announced the formation of a new AI Alliance Network to bring together experts from BRICS countries.
However, in the Global AI Index by the UK’s Tortoise Media, Russia ranks 31st among 83 countries. It lags behind not only the United States and China but also BRICS partners like India and Brazil in the field of AI.
