Putin warns against society splitting into intellectual elite as AI develops
In short
President Vladimir Putin said Russia must not let society divide into an intellectual elite and those left behind as artificial intelligence develops, speaking at a meeting with teachers on Teacher's Day. He also said AI should not replace schoolchildren's independent thinking, and Kommersant reported he backed the idea of creating a neural network for education. Vedomosti noted Putin had made similar points about schools and critical thinking in December 2025.
Why it matters
The remarks come from the president at a national education event and, as reported by state and business outlets, set a framing for how AI is discussed in Russian schools. The documents describe no decisions or policy measures, so any practical effect on curricula or teacher training is not yet indicated.
Key facts
- President Vladimir Putin said society in Russia must not divide into an intellectual elite and those who fall behind in intellectual development. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- He made the remarks at a meeting with laureates of the All-Russian "Teacher of the Year" contest and finalists of the TV show "Классная тема," held on Teacher's Day. [ 3 , 4 ]
- Putin said artificial intelligence should not replace schoolchildren's independent thinking, warning that using ready-made neural network answers could have unfavorable consequences. [ 3 ]
- He said teachers need to motivate pupils to train their intellect by getting them interested in solving problems. [ 3 ]
- Kommersant reported that Putin supported the idea of creating a neural network in the education sector, while saying its introduction must not harm the quality of teaching. [ 4 ]
- Vedomosti recalled that in December 2025 Putin said schoolchildren needed independent creative thinking and skills to critically assess AI output, and that new technology requires revising educational programs and retraining teachers. [ 3 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- Whether Putin supported creating a neural network in the education sector. Only Kommersant reports this; TASS, RIA Novosti and Vedomosti do not mention it in the material available.
- Where the meeting took place. None of the documents states a location.
- What specific measures, if any, will follow from Putin's remarks. The documents report only the statements made at the meeting; no decisions, instructions or deadlines are mentioned.
- The exact time of the meeting itself. The documents give only their own publication times, not the time of the meeting.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- TASS reports Putin's remarks that society must not be allowed to split amid AI development. [ 1 ]
- RIA Novosti reports Putin's call not to allow society to divide. [ 2 ]
- Vedomosti publishes its account of the meeting with teacher award winners and finalists of the TV show "Классная тема." [ 3 ]
- Kommersant publishes its account, including Putin's remarks on AI in education and the neural network proposal. [ 4 ]