Russia’s recent strides in artificial intelligence development signal an intensification of a new kind of arms race—one where algorithms and neural networks become tools of coercion, disruption, and control. The study The Role of AI in Russia’s Confrontation with the West by Samuel Bendett and Margarita Konaev highlights how Moscow has turned its limitations into weapons of asymmetry. While Russia lags behind the United States and China in technological innovation, it compensates by weaponizing AI for disinformation, cyberattacks, and autonomous warfare.

The Kremlin’s strategy is neither about dominating the AI race nor developing cutting-edge technologies—it’s about operationalizing AI to exploit vulnerabilities in open societies. As the report notes, Russian state-backed efforts focus heavily on AI-driven propaganda and cyber capabilities, aiming to undermine democratic institutions and sow distrust among allies. For example, Russia’s use of AI-enhanced disinformation campaigns during the 2016 U.S. presidential election provided a grim preview of how these tools could destabilize democracies worldwide. Additionally, Moscow’s integration of AI into cyberattacks, such as those targeting Ukraine’s power grid and the SolarWinds hack, underscores its potential to weaponize digital infrastructure.

The implications for U.S. and NATO security are profound. Russia’s advances in autonomous weapons systems, such as AI-driven drones and robotic combat vehicles, offer it the ability to project power without exposing its military to direct risk. Moreover, its focus on AI-powered hypersonic missile technology and electronic warfare systems demonstrates a calculated effort to offset its conventional weaknesses. By leveraging AI, Russia aims to disrupt supply chains, undermine allied communications, and cripple critical infrastructure—all while maintaining plausible deniability. The Kremlin’s doctrine of “hybrid warfare” ensures that these tools are seamlessly integrated into broader geopolitical strategies.

While the Biden administration has made strides in fostering private-sector AI innovation and took a couple steps back establishing “ethical” frameworks, these efforts lack the urgency required to counter Russia’s ambitions. The Trump administration has a unique opportunity to fill this void by prioritizing AI as a cornerstone of national defense. This should include safeguarding AI supply chains from foreign theft, investing in autonomous defense systems, and enhancing AI applications for cybersecurity. Programs like the DARPA Artificial Intelligence Exploration initiative provide a strong foundation, but they must be scaled to match the magnitude of the threat.

The Trump administration should also lead efforts within NATO to develop a unified AI strategy. The alliance must prepare for scenarios where AI-driven cyberattacks or disinformation campaigns exploit fractures among member states. Strengthening counterintelligence capabilities and improving interoperability among allied forces will be critical in maintaining technological superiority.

The stakes extend beyond immediate security concerns. Russia’s AI advancements are part of a broader strategy to challenge the rules-based international order. Every data breach, every infrastructure attack, and every disinformation campaign is a reminder that Moscow’s ambitions are not limited to regional dominance—they are aimed squarely at the heart of Western influence. Allowing these efforts to continue unchecked risks eroding public trust, weakening alliances, and ceding the future of AI to authoritarian powers.

This is not a moment for hesitation. The Trump administration has the tools and the mandate to act decisively. By accelerating U.S. AI investments, safeguarding innovation, and rallying allies, America can ensure that artificial intelligence remains a force for liberty rather than oppression. The fight for technological dominance is not just about outpacing adversaries; it’s about securing the principles that underpin free societies.

About the Author

Rick de la Torre

Senior Operations Officer CIA (Retired) US State Dept. Foreign Service Officer. Corporate Leader Skilled in Business Planning, Operations Management, Market Research, Risk Management. Strong community and social services professional with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) focused in International Business from Florida International University.