Putin Orders Enhanced AI Cooperation with China Amid Sanctions

Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed the government and the country’s largest bank, Sberbank, to strengthen cooperation with China in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). This order, which was published on the Kremlin’s website on Wednesday, comes three weeks after Putin revealed plans for Russia to collaborate with BRICS nations and other global partners on AI development.

The directive to Sberbank, the leading institution driving Russia’s AI initiatives, emphasizes the need to further cooperation with China in technological research and development in AI. This move is seen as part of Russia’s strategy to overcome technological barriers imposed by Western sanctions, which have significantly hindered Russia’s access to essential microchips and AI resources, crucial for sustaining its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

In 2023, Sberbank CEO German Gref admitted that the scarcity of graphics processing units (GPUs), the critical hardware for AI, posed one of the biggest challenges for Russia. The sanctions have disrupted the supply of GPUs, which are primarily produced by Western companies, thus limiting Russia’s ability to advance in AI technology.

By deepening ties with non-Western nations, Russia aims to challenge the United States’ dominance in the AI sector, which is considered one of the most strategic and transformative technologies of the 21st century. Putin also announced the formation of an AI Alliance Network on December 11, intended to bring together experts from BRICS countries and other interested nations to foster innovation in this field.

Currently, Russia ranks 31st out of 83 countries in terms of AI implementation, innovation, and investment, according to Tortoise Media’s Global AI Index. This places Russia behind not only the United States and China but also fellow BRICS members such as India and Brazil.