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Putin Orders Enhanced AI Cooperation with China Amid Sanctions

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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.

 

Remarkably Well-Preserved Baby Mammoth Remains Unveiled by Scientists

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Scientists have uncovered the preserved remains of a juvenile mammoth, believed to be over 50,000 years old, after it was thawed from permafrost in Russia. The discovery, made in the Batagaika crater in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), marks another extraordinary find as climate change causes the region’s permafrost to melt.

The mammoth’s carcass, weighing over 110kg (240lbs), was carefully brought to the surface on an improvised stretcher, according to Maxim Cherpasov, head of the Lazarev Mammoth Museum Laboratory in Yakutsk. Cherpasov estimates that the mammoth was likely just over a year old at the time of its death, though further testing will provide more precise information.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the find is the preservation of the mammoth’s head and trunk. Typically, the thawing process causes these parts, especially the trunk, to be consumed by predators or scavenging birds. However, this specimen’s head is unusually well-preserved, even though the forelimbs have been eaten by animals.

This discovery adds to a series of remarkable paleontological finds in Russia’s permafrost. In the same region, scientists recently uncovered the remains of a 32,000-year-old sabre-toothed cat cub and a 44,000-year-old wolf carcass earlier this year, offering unprecedented insights into ancient species.

 

China’s Satellite Megaprojects Challenge Elon Musk’s Starlink

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China is aggressively pursuing satellite megaprojects to rival SpaceX’s Starlink, which has already established a formidable presence in low Earth orbit (LEO) with nearly 7,000 satellites. Starlink provides high-speed internet to millions in remote and underserved regions, with plans to expand its constellation to 42,000 satellites. However, China is aiming to launch a similar-scale network with around 38,000 satellites through its Qianfan, Guo Wang, and Honghu-3 projects.

While companies like Eutelsat OneWeb and Amazon’s Project Kuiper are also entering the satellite internet arena, China’s interest in these megaconstellations goes beyond just competition. Experts believe China’s motivations are partly driven by concerns over the potential influence of Starlink’s uncensored internet service, especially in regions under its geopolitical influence.

Steve Feldstein, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, suggests that Starlink could undermine China’s strict internet censorship policies by providing uncensored access to websites and apps. As a result, China views this satellite-based connectivity as a potential threat to its control over information within its borders and in allied countries. To counter this, China is investing in its own satellite network that could offer a censored alternative to Starlink.

Blaine Curcio, founder of Orbital Gateway Consulting, adds that China’s satellite service could appeal to countries interested in a more controlled internet experience. While China may not prioritize Western markets like the U.S. or Europe, it sees opportunities in regions where Starlink has limited coverage, including Russia, Afghanistan, Syria, and parts of Africa.

In Africa, where Huawei already plays a dominant role in 4G infrastructure, China’s satellite service could further strengthen its influence. The Chinese satellite constellation might be seen as an extension of its technological and geopolitical presence, especially in regions where internet access is limited or censored.

National security is another crucial factor behind China’s satellite ambitions. Starlink’s role in providing satellite-based communication for military purposes, particularly in conflict zones like Ukraine, has demonstrated the strategic value of satellite internet. The ability to maintain internet connectivity during war, especially for military operations such as drone warfare, makes satellite constellations a key component of national security. China recognizes this, making its satellite internet projects a strategic necessity.

In conclusion, while China’s satellite services may not directly compete with Starlink in Western markets, they represent a significant geopolitical and security challenge. As China expands its satellite capabilities, it will likely target regions where Starlink has limited coverage, furthering its influence and maintaining control over digital infrastructures.