Russian President Vladimir Putin has initiated a strategic collaboration with China to enhance the development of artificial intelligence (AI), responding to increasing global competition and geopolitical pressures from the United States. In a directive issued on the Kremlin website, Putin mandated government agencies and Sberbank, Russia's largest state bank, to foster ties with their Chinese counterparts in technological research and development of AI.

This ambitious effort is seen as a move to bolster Russia's capabilities in an area where it lags behind China and the U.S. Putin emphasized the importance of AI, referring to it as a "crucial instrument" in the tech landscape during a recent conference in Moscow where he urged collaboration among BRICS nations. He voiced his determination for Russia to leverage its partnerships for technological advances, stating that "China is making great strides in its technological development and is using vital instruments for its development."

The cooperation comes at a pivotal time, as both nations are striving to establish a competitive edge over the U.S. and navigate the restrictions imposed by Western sanctions on semiconductor technologies. SCMP reported that Putin's directives include exploring the establishment of an international journal on AI advancements, with progress assessments due by April.

In line with this collaboration, Russia has turned its focus towards military applications of AI, emphasizing its importance in its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Reports suggest efforts to develop AI-powered weaponry, which aligns with China’s pursuits in similar domains, including the burgeoning development of autonomous systems known colloquially as “killer robots.” Such developments are bolstered by a Newsweek article highlighting the potential for AI technologies to augment the combat capabilities of both nations.

Despite these ambitious plans, significant hurdles remain. Access to crucial technology such as graphics processing units (GPUs) has been severely limited for Russia, impeding its ability to fully realize its AI ambitions. According to Sberbank’s leadership, Russia is facing a six to nine-month lag in AI development when compared to leading nations. Nevertheless, Russian officials expressed confidence that with supportive regulations and innovations, Russia could improve its standing in international AI rankings by 2030.

As Moscow and Beijing solidify their collaboration, experts are keeping a close eye on the international ramifications. These developments in AI will not only reshape military strategies but also potential geopolitical alliances as the global race for AI supremacy heats up.