“I’ve Never Been Afraid of Anything”: Putin on Rising AI Threats and Russia’s AI Sovereignty Push

Vladimir Putin says he is “never been afraid of anything” as he addresses what he calls rising threats tied to artificial intelligence. He links the risks to intensified global competition, arguing that AI capabilities can be used to destabilize societies and militaries. In response, he says Russia is advancing its push for AI sovereignty, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign technology and build domestic control over data, infrastructure, and critical tools. The comments suggest a longer-term strategy to treat AI development as a matter of national security. Critics argue such moves could limit transparency and international cooperation, but officials frame them as defensive.