Putin wants Russia to create AI task force

Russia’s Putin calls for national AI task force

AI as a strategic priority

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for the creation of a national task force to coordinate the development of homegrown artificial intelligence technologies. Speaking at the AI Journey 2025 conference in Moscow, Putin emphasized that AI remains a strategic direction for Russia’s future development. He stated that by 2030, the contribution of AI to the country’s GDP should exceed 11 trillion rubles.

Headquarters for AI management

Putin instructed the government to establish a headquarters for the management of all AI-related activities. This new body will be responsible for formulating and implementing a national plan for the introduction of generative AI. The president stressed the importance of avoiding dependence on foreign neural networks, calling it a matter of state, technological, and value sovereignty.

Domestic AI technologies

The Russian leader highlighted the need for the country to possess a full range of its own AI technologies and products. He said that all models must be trained and fully controlled by Russian specialists at every stage. This includes the development of national language models, such as GigaChat and YandexGPT, which are Russia’s attempts to compete with global AI leaders.

AI applications and innovations

• A new generation ATM equipped with an AI assistant and voice control was presented at the conference. The device also features an express health assessment service and has no analogues in the world.
• The GigaChat neural network is being used to process citizens’ appeals to the president’s “direct line”.
• A simulator for testing autopilots, developed by the AIRI Institute, was showcased. The software will be publicly available and aims to make autonomous transport safer and more efficient.
• AI is also being used to create virtual experts for rare animal species, such as Amur tigers and polar bears, providing accurate consultations through the GigaChat system.

Challenges and future plans

Possible risks of AI development were discussed, including its impact on education and the quality of learning. The participants noted that schoolchildren and students increasingly use AI for homework, which affects their understanding and motivation to learn.

Potential dangers of AI were also addressed, with concerns about the use of AI for disinformation campaigns and its impact on internal political processes. The Kremlin is building an institutional framework for centralized AI management, with the National Center for AI Development overseeing integration across various sectors.

Investment and infrastructure

Russia plans to invest heavily in AI development, with significant budget allocations for the next few years. The country also intends to build 38 new nuclear power units to support the growing demand for computing power required by AI projects.

Conclusion

Promoting domestic AI technologies and reducing reliance on foreign solutions is a top priority for Russia. The creation of a national task force and the development of a comprehensive strategy are key steps in achieving this goal.