The war in Ukraine has reshaped global alliances, with countries reassessing their strategies to address economic and technological challenges.
For Russia, this conflict has brought heightened sanctions, driving the country to seek closer partnerships with non-Western nations in various fields, including technology.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently called on the government and Sberbank to strengthen cooperation with China in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), according to Ziare.
This directive comes as increasing Western sanctions have limited Russia's access to critical technologies, including microchips and other essential hardware for AI development.
In a statement published on the Kremlin's official website, Putin talked about the importance of collaborating with China on AI research and technological advancements.
The move is part of a broader Russian strategy to counteract the effects of sanctions by building alliances with BRICS nations and other willing partners.
Western restrictions have severely impacted Russia’s technological ambitions, particularly in AI.
These sanctions have cut off access to high-performance computing hardware, such as graphics processing units (GPUs), which are vital for AI research.
Sberbank CEO German Gref acknowledged in 2023 that sourcing these components remains one of Russia’s greatest challenges in this field.
To address these limitations, Russia has turned to China, a global leader in AI innovation. China’s technological expertise and production capabilities make it a crucial partner for Moscow.
This partnership is seen as a way for Russia to regain ground in the competitive AI landscape and reduce its reliance on Western technologies.
Putin also announced plans to establish a new AI Alliance Network, bringing together experts from BRICS countries and other interested states.
This initiative aims to foster innovation and collaboration while challenging the dominance of the United States in this critical area.
Despite these efforts, Russia still lags behind major players in AI. It currently ranks 31st on the Tortoise Media Global AI Index, far behind the United States, China, and other BRICS members like India and Brazil.
As sanctions persist, the success of Russia’s AI ambitions will largely depend on its ability to build effective partnerships and overcome technological barriers in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
