AI: The New Global Power Player

AI's global influence rivals nuclear power, with Russia among few nations developing its own home-grown technologies. Control over AI models is crucial for national security, amid Western tech sanctions. Russian leaders, while avoiding AI overinvestment, aim to maintain sovereignty through strategic AI model development.

Artificial intelligence is set to grant countries the kind of global power once reserved for nuclear weaponry, according to Alexander Vedyakhin, First Deputy CEO of Sberbank. Speaking at Russia's AI Journey event, he underscored the significance of developing home-grown AI technologies to compete globally.

Alexander Vedyakhin emphasized the importance of Russia producing its own AI models rather than relying on retrained foreign versions. This is particularly critical for state-sensitive sectors such as public services, healthcare, and education, ensuring data remains secure and sovereign.

Despite Russia's ambition to rival US and China in AI, Vedyakhin acknowledged challenges due to Western sanctions impacting computing power. While cautioning against overly hyped AI infrastructure investments, he affirmed Russia's strategy to balance development with secure, national technological advancements.