Russia is locked in a “fight for the future” against its Western adversaries in the race to develop new technologies and innovations, Sergei Chemezov, head of the state defense conglomerate Rostec, said Tuesday.
Chemezov, a former KGB officer, is believed to be a close associate of President Vladimir Putin. He is currently under sanctions from the EU, the U.S. and several other countries.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, Rostec owns 243 enterprises linked to military production. Chemezov previously boasted of Rostec’s factories working “around the clock” to produce military equipment, including warplanes and tanks, amid the invasion of Ukraine.
In a column for the RBC news website, Chemezov said the current era could be considered “the most difficult in the history of mankind,” referring to global conflicts, alleged campaigns to ban Russian language and culture in Europe and the fourth year of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
“While it’s hard to stay optimistic in the current reality, we must navigate this storm with confidence and a clear sense of direction. And we simply must emerge victorious,” Chemezov wrote.
“What is happening now is a fight for the future,” he wrote.
According to Chemezov, the only way to make sure Russia’s future is not written by other powers is for the country to pursue import substitution and achieve technological sovereignty.
He argued that Russia should not attempt to “catch up and overtake” existing technologies that Western countries have spent decades and trillions of dollars on developing.
Instead, Russia should invest in critical technologies or disruptive innovations like AI, quantum technologies and high-tech industries, which he said will build new industries and phase out existing ones.
He called on the government to pursue “long-term and low-cost financing to incentivize the creation of new technologies and products.”
These investments, Chemezov argued, would undermine the image held by some in the West of Russia as a “gas station country.”
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
