The directive, published on the Kremlin’s web portal on Jan. 1, showcases Moscow’s deepening technological partnership with Beijing as it faces Western sanctions.
Putin emphasized the importance of “further cooperation with the People’s Republic of China in technological research and development in the field of artificial intelligence.” Sberbank, tasked with spearheading Russia’s AI initiatives, plays a central role in this effort.
Western sanctions, imposed after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, have severely restricted the country’s access to critical technology, including microchips essential for AI development.
While Russia has managed to source some components through third-party sellers, acquiring GPUs—key to building AI systems—remains a significant challenge, as noted by Sberbank CEO German Gref in 2023.
To counter these hurdles, Putin announced plans in December to create an AI Alliance Network with BRICS nations and other interested countries. Sberbank claims AI organizations from Brazil, China, India, and South Africa have already joined the initiative. BRICS, an economic bloc often positioned as a rival to Western dominance, could provide a critical platform for Russia’s AI ambitions.
While officially maintaining neutrality in the conflict, China has deepened its economic and technological ties with Russia. Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged New Year greetings with Putin, highlighting a growing political trust and strategic coordination between the nations. Beijing, however, has denied allegations of supporting Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.
