Samedia, Dec. 11—President Vladimir Putin announced on Wednesday that Russia will develop artificial intelligence with BRICS partners and other countries. The move aims to challenge the dominance of the United States in this crucial 21st-century technology.
Speaking at Russia’s AI conference, Putin introduced the AI Alliance Network. This network will include national AI associations and development institutions from BRICS countries and other interested states. “Russia must participate on equal terms in the global race to create strong artificial intelligence,” Putin said. “We invite scientists from all over the world to join in the collaboration,” Reuters quoted him as saying.
Western sanctions have limited Russia’s access to crucial technologies, including microchips needed for AI development. Major microchip producers have halted exports to Russia due to its war against Ukraine. Despite these challenges, Russia’s dominant lender Sberbank is spearheading AI development. However, Sberbank CEO German Gref admitted in 2023 that GPUs, vital for AI, are the hardest hardware to replace.
On Wednesday, Sberbank announced that AI associations from BRICS members Brazil, China, India, and South Africa, as well as Serbia, Indonesia, and other non-BRICS countries, had joined the AI Alliance Network. The network aims to facilitate joint research into AI technology and regulation. It also seeks to provide opportunities for AI products to be sold in member countries’ markets.
While the U.S. and China lead in AI, Russia’s new initiative aims to place it among the top AI powers. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has appointed an AI and Crypto Czar to ensure the U.S.
