Russian AI Technologies Explored for Potential Use in CTBTO Preparatory Commission Activities

Dragon Media News Desk

The potential application of Russian artificial intelligence technologies in support of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization Preparatory Commission was discussed at a special event held on September 1 on the margins of the 67th session of Working Group B.

The event, organized with the support of the Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation, brought together more than 120 participants, including diplomats and national experts from CTBTO Preparatory Commission member states, as well as officials from the Provisional Technical Secretariat.

Opening the event, Russia’s Deputy Permanent Representative Roman Ustinov said any possible introduction of AI into the work of the CTBTO Preparatory Commission should be approached with particular caution.

He stressed the need to protect sensitive information, preserve human responsibility and the decisive role of human judgement, ensure transparency of AI models, conduct prior assessments of associated risks and maintain accountability to the organization’s policymaking bodies.

Professor Evgeny Burnaev, Vice President for AI Development and Director of the Skoltech AI Center, presented potential pilot projects demonstrating how Russian AI technologies could be used to support the commission’s work.

According to the presentation, the proposed solutions are intended to complement, rather than replace, existing mechanisms by providing additional tools for intelligent data analysis and forecasting.

The event reportedly generated considerable interest among diplomatic and expert communities. Given the importance and complexity of the issue, discussions have also begun on the possible establishment of a dedicated expert group to examine the application of AI in the activities of the CTBTO Preparatory Commission.