Kommersant

MinTsifry Considers Annual 10 Billion Rubles Support Package for Russian AI Development

Russia's Ministry of Digital Development is discussing a state support package worth up to 10 billion rubles per year aimed at local AI developers. The proposed funding would cover technology development, pilot launches, and compensation for computing resources. According to Kommersant, 8 billion rubles are planned for development and implementation while 2 billion would offset computational costs. Mechanisms under consideration include subsidized loans through authorized banks and grants covering up to 80 percent of pilot project costs in priority sectors. The initiative remains in discussion with no final parameters or launch timelines confirmed yet. Industry experts note that clear selection criteria and transparent reporting will be essential to prevent intermediaries and ensure fair access for independent teams.

Russia Discusses Extra Fees for International Traffic Over 50 GB in 5G Networks

The Russian Ministry of Digital Development is again in talks with mobile operators about introducing charges for international data traffic exceeding 50 GB per month, but only within 5G networks. The measure would potentially apply to VPN services and other foreign resources, adding to users' mobile bills. No final decision has been reached and the exact fee amount remains unspecified. Sources indicate a possible launch in October, though timelines are subject to change. Technical challenges arise because current 5G deployments rely on LTE infrastructure, requiring new traffic separation, network handover tracking, and billing system adjustments. Average monthly mobile data usage stood at 24 GB in 2025, making the 50 GB international 5G threshold a narrow scenario. Headlines claiming VPNs will become paid services overstate the current discussions, which focus solely on international traffic classification.

Sergey Volkov of Cloud.ru Named Top CISO in Russian IT Sector Ranking

Sergey Volkov, Director of the Cyber Protection Center at Cloud.ru, has secured first place in the information security category of the annual Top-1000 Russian Managers ranking. The ranking, published by the Association of Managers in the Kommersant newspaper since 2001, is compiled through peer evaluations by top executives followed by review from expert commissions. Volkov oversees information security strategy and operations for Cloud.ru, and his top position reflects professional recognition of his leadership results. The Association also analyzed broader achievements among laureates and identified key trends in Russian management. Artificial intelligence adoption for business process optimization appeared in 80 percent of reviewed accomplishments. Client orientation through user experience analysis and personalized solutions ranked second, while operational efficiency via cost reduction, automation, and digitalization took third place.