Minister of Digital Development Maksut Shadayev announced at the CNews FORUM on November 12, 2026, that software developed using generative AI will face no restrictions when applying for the Russian Software Registry. Currently, 90% of Russian IT companies utilize generative AI tools in their development processes.
The Ministry does not plan to block software created with the help of foreign language models from the registry. However, officials emphasize that companies must maintain control over the final code and ensure product security. The government aims to stimulate the adoption of domestic language models through various support measures.
Legislative efforts are underway to define criteria for sovereign and national language models, with at least two sovereign models expected. Support measures include tax deductions for small businesses using domestic AI services and subsidies covering up to 80% of costs for large industrial AI implementations.
Russia estimates its lag behind global AI leaders at 6 to 12 months. The government intends to maintain access to open-source models while simultaneously fostering domestic competencies to mitigate risks associated with potential restrictions on foreign technologies.
