In a move to strengthen Russia’s technological capabilities, President Vladimir Putin has directed the Russian government and the country’s largest bank, Sberbank, to enhance cooperation with China in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). The directive, published on the Kremlin’s website, aims to foster deeper ties between the two nations in AI research and development, signaling a strategic shift in Russia’s technological partnerships amid growing global tensions.

Strategic AI Alliance with China

Putin’s orders come three weeks after he announced Russia’s intention to collaborate with BRICS countries and other partners to advance AI technologies. His latest instructions are clear: Russia’s government and Sberbank must prioritize and develop further cooperation with China in the realm of AI. This partnership comes at a time when Russia faces significant challenges in accessing critical technologies due to Western sanctions.

The sanctions, which have aimed to limit Russia’s ability to acquire advanced technologies needed for its ongoing war in Ukraine, have led to a severe disruption in Russia’s access to vital AI components, such as microchips. These sanctions have resulted in major Western semiconductor producers halting exports to Russia, effectively stalling its AI ambitions.

Challenges in AI Development for Russia

Sberbank, Russia’s leading financial institution, is at the forefront of Russia’s AI initiatives. CEO German Gref acknowledged in 2023 that one of the key hurdles Russia faces in AI development is the shortage of graphics processing units (GPUs)—the essential hardware for AI systems. The scarcity of GPUs has made it particularly difficult for Russia to catch up with global AI leaders.

While China has increasingly positioned itself as a leader in AI research, Russia is hoping to leverage its growing ties with China to overcome these challenges. By strengthening technological collaboration with China, Russia aims to access vital AI research and hardware that it can no longer source from Western markets.

The BRICS AI Alliance

Putin’s initiative is part of a broader vision to create an “AI Alliance Network” that will unite AI specialists from BRICS countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—as well as other interested nations. The goal of this alliance is to foster technological cooperation, innovation, and investment in AI.

Despite these efforts, Russia still lags behind many countries in AI development. According to the Global AI Index by Tortoise Media, Russia currently ranks 31st out of 83 countries in terms of AI implementation, innovation, and investment. This is well behind both the United States and China, as well as other BRICS members like India and Brazil.

Challenging U.S. Dominance in AI

By aligning with non-Western nations like China, Russia is attempting to challenge the dominance of the United States in AI, a technology that is seen as crucial for future geopolitical power. The cooperation with China is expected to accelerate Russia’s access to advanced AI infrastructure, research, and development capabilities, helping to close the technology gap with leading global powers.

As Russia continues to explore new partnerships outside the Western sphere, AI will be one of the key areas where the country aims to regain technological parity with the West. Putin’s push for an AI alliance with China and other countries could reshape the global AI landscape in the coming years.

Conclusion

With Western sanctions hindering Russia’s AI ambitions, the country’s decision to forge stronger ties with China in this crucial technology represents a significant geopolitical shift. The partnership with China, coupled with efforts to build a BRICS-led AI alliance, could play a pivotal role in Russia’s future AI development and its quest to challenge the United States’ leadership in this transformative field.

For more insights into global AI developments and geopolitical shifts, follow FutureGenNews.