Moscow: Russia is positioning artificial intelligence as a new frontier of national power, likening the development of domestic AI systems to the strategic importance of nuclear weapons. Alexander Vedyakhin, First Deputy CEO of Sberbank and a leading figure in Russia’s AI initiatives, warned that countries capable of building their own large-language models (LLMs) will form an exclusive “AI nuclear club” wielding unprecedented influence on the global stage.
Speaking at the annual AI Journey forum in Moscow, Vedyakhin emphasized that nations without homegrown generative AI systems risk being left behind in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. “Either you have your own national large-language model or you don’t,” he said, underscoring the idea that AI sovereignty is becoming a critical marker of strategic strength. According to him, Russia needs at least two or three domestically developed models to support critical sectors, including healthcare, education, and public administration.
A central theme in Vedyakhin’s remarks was data security. He cautioned against feeding Russian state or citizen data into foreign AI platforms, calling such actions “simply prohibited” and warning that violations could trigger serious consequences. This reflects a broader push by the Kremlin to assert technological sovereignty, ensuring that sensitive information remains under domestic control while fostering national innovation.
The initiative is part of a larger strategy to catch up with global AI leaders, particularly the United States and China. Sberbank, traditionally known as a financial institution, has transformed into a hub for AI research and deployment, collaborating with technology giant Yandex to develop competitive generative AI solutions. President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly framed AI as essential for Russia’s independence and security, reinforcing the narrative that technological self-reliance is a matter of national interest.
Despite these ambitions, Russia faces significant hurdles. Vedyakhin acknowledged a lag in computing capacity, a challenge intensified by ongoing Western sanctions that restrict access to cutting-edge hardware. He also stressed the importance of measured investment, cautioning that excessive spending on AI infrastructure without strategic focus could fail to deliver returns, particularly amid rising energy costs and the high computational demands of advanced AI systems.
Experts suggest that the notion of an “AI nuclear club” signals a new era of strategic competition, where technological supremacy in AI could determine economic, military, and geopolitical clout. The framing of AI as a national security asset raises questions about global governance, ethical standards, and the potential for an emerging divide between AI-capable nations and those reliant on foreign technology.
As the global race intensifies, Russia’s pursuit of indigenous AI capabilities illustrates the broader trend of nations treating AI not merely as a commercial or academic pursuit but as a pillar of strategic power. How effectively Moscow can overcome technological and geopolitical obstacles will be closely watched, potentially reshaping the landscape of international AI competition.