Russia seeks enhanced AI collaboration with China amidst Western sanctions challenges

By nurturing deeper ties with China and other non-Western nations, Russia aims to secure a competitive edge in this vital technological field, adapting to the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape of AI.
Russia and China flags

Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed the government and Sberbank, the nation’s largest bank, to deepen collaboration with China in the development of AI. The announcement, published on the Kremlin’s website, comes three weeks after Putin unveiled plans for Russia to work alongside BRICS nations and other partners to advance AI technologies. Sberbank, which leads Russia’s AI initiatives, has been tasked with fostering technological cooperation with China.

That move reflects Russia’s efforts to circumvent Western sanctions that have restricted its access to key technologies, including microchips essential for AI development. The sanctions have caused major global chip manufacturers to halt exports to Russia, creating significant hurdles for its AI ambitions.

Sberbank CEO German Gref admitted that replacing GPUs, the microchips vital to AI, remains a critical challenge for the country. By partnering with non-Western allies, Russia aims to counterbalance US dominance in the rapidly evolving AI sector, which Putin has described as a cornerstone of the 21st century.

As part of this strategy, a newly proposed AI Alliance Network will unite experts from BRICS nations and other interested states to bolster innovation and investment. However, Russia still lags behind its competitors, ranking 31st in the Global AI Index, far below leaders like the US, China, and even BRICS partners India and Brazil.