Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a directive for government agencies and Sberbank, the nation’s largest bank, to collaborate with China in advancing artificial intelligence (AI). The Kremlin announced the move on Wednesday, underscoring Russia’s push to strengthen ties with China to enhance its technological capabilities in the face of growing global competition.
This initiative is part of Russia’s broader effort to build alliances with BRICS nations and other partners. Putin envisions creating an “AI Alliance Network” to pool resources and expertise, helping Russia maintain relevance in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Navigating Western sanctions
Western sanctions have significantly hampered Russia’s AI ambitions, which have blocked access to advanced microchips and other critical technologies. These restrictions have forced Russian companies to innovate with limited resources. GPUs (graphics processing units), essential for AI development, have been particularly challenging to replace, as acknowledged by Sberbank CEO German Gref.
By teaming up with China, Russia hopes to sidestep these limitations. China’s leadership in AI and its access to advanced hardware provide a lifeline for Moscow to continue its AI development despite the restrictions.
Partnering with BRICS for technological growth
Putin’s directive aligns with his vision of fostering cooperation within the BRICS framework. The proposed “AI Alliance Network” aims to bring together experts from member nations, including China, India, Brazil, and South Africa. This initiative is expected to help Russia share knowledge, reduce dependency on Western technologies, and drive progress in AI research.
Russia’s AI position on the global stage
Russia ranks 31st on the Global AI Index, far behind leaders like the US and China. Even fellow BRICS members like India and Brazil surpass Russia in AI innovation and investment. The collaboration with China is seen as a vital step for Russia to improve its standing and challenge the dominance of Western powers in this critical technology sector.
