Putin orders Russian government to increase AI cooperation with China

The big picture: Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed the Russian government and Sberbank to establish artificial intelligence cooperation with China, marking a significant shift in global AI development alliances.

Key details and timing: Putin’s directive was published on the Kremlin‘s website, following his earlier announcement about Russia’s plans to collaborate with BRICS partners on AI development.

• The order specifically instructs Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank and leader in domestic AI initiatives, to foster technological research and development partnerships with China
• This move comes three weeks after Putin’s announcement of a new AI Alliance Network involving BRICS countries and other interested nations
• The directive represents a formal step toward implementing Russia’s broader strategy of technological collaboration with non-Western partners

Driving factors: Western sanctions against Russia have severely restricted its access to critical AI development technologies, forcing the country to seek alternative partnerships.

• International sanctions related to Russia’s war in Ukraine have cut off access to essential microchips from major global producers
• Sberbank’s CEO German Gref has identified graphics processing units (GPUs) as particularly challenging to source under current restrictions
• Russia’s current position at 31st out of 83 countries in the Global AI Index indicates significant room for improvement in AI implementation and innovation

Strategic implications: The partnership represents an attempt to challenge U.S. dominance in artificial intelligence technology while circumventing Western sanctions.

• Russia’s collaboration with China could potentially create an alternative AI development ecosystem outside Western influence
• The partnership aligns with broader BRICS initiatives to develop independent technological capabilities
• Russia currently lags behind not only the United States and China but also fellow BRICS members India and Brazil in AI development

Looking ahead: Geopolitical realignment in AI development: This partnership could signal a broader shift in global AI development, potentially creating two distinct technological spheres – one Western-led and another centered around China and its partners, though significant challenges remain in closing the technological gap with leading AI nations.