Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed his government and Sberbank, the country's largest bank, to strengthen collaboration with China in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) according to an order published on the Kremlin's website on 1 January.

The directive follows Putin's earlier announcement of plans to partner with BRICS nations and other allies to advance AI research and development. Specifically, Putin has tasked Sberbank, which leads Russia's AI initiatives, with ensuring closer ties with China in technological innovation related to AI.

Western sanctions, imposed to limit Moscow's ability to sustain its military operations in Ukraine, have hampered Russia's access to advanced technologies, including microchips essential for AI development. Global chip manufacturers have ceased exports to Russia, constraining its AI ambitions.

According to a recent Reuters report, Sberbank CEO German Gref admitted in 2023 that securing graphics processing units (GPUs), a cornerstone of AI development, remains a significant challenge for Russia. By collaborating with China and other non-Western nations, Russia aims to circumvent these limitations and reduce the dominance of the United States in the global AI race.

On 11 December 2024, Putin announced the formation of an AI Alliance Network to connect AI specialists from BRICS countries and other interested states. Despite these efforts, Russia lags behind global leaders in AI innovation. According to the UK-based Tortoise Media's Global AI Index, Russia ranks 31st among 83 countries, after the United States, China, and other BRICS counterparts India and Brazil.