09:05, 20 November 2025

Vladimir Putin Explains What Makes Russia Unique — and What Children Must Learn

On the opening day of the X International Conference “Artificial Intelligence Journey 2025” in Moscow, President Vladimir Putin laid out Russia’s national strategy for generative AI and digital‑transformation leadership.

AI Sovereignty as a National Priority

In his address, President Putin emphasized that developing Russia’s own generative AI technologies is not merely a matter of innovation, but a question of national independence.

“We cannot allow critical dependence on foreign systems. For Russia, this is a matter of state, technological, and — I would say — value sovereignty,” he said.

He highlighted the need to create a full domestic technological cycle — from large language models fully controlled by Russian specialists to hardware infrastructure: semiconductor components, data‑processing centers, and computing power.

Rapid Deployment and Market Formation

Putin announced the formation of a nationwide plan for implementing generative AI across economic and social sectors.

He set an ambitious target: “By 2030, AI‑based products must be used in all key industries, and the total contribution of AI to the GDP should exceed 11 trillion rubles.”

Converted to U.S. dollars, this equals roughly $136 billion. To coordinate this transition, he proposed establishing a special task force with administrative authority.

“We’re not talking about reports — we’re talking about achieving results,” he told regional leaders.

He also stressed the need to build a stable market for AI technologies: “We need to accelerate this process and give it its own momentum.”

Energy for the Digital Era

Putin emphasized that AI expansion demands reliable energy infrastructure. He linked new data‑center construction with the development of Russia’s energy sector, including coal‑based generation and nuclear power.

“We are probably the only country in the world that is now capable, ready, already produces and uses small nuclear power plants,” he noted, suggesting they could power data centers requiring minimal latency.

International Cooperation and Educational Challenges

Russia plans to expand AI cooperation with BRICS, the SCO, and other partners. The International AI Alliance, led by Russia, added 11 countries, bringing membership to 28.

Putin also addressed education challenges, warning: “We must teach children in schools, universities, and colleges to think — not just to press the right button.”

He emphasized the need to preserve motivation for learning while integrating AI into education.

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