Abstract. The article is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of the prospects for the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) through the prism of the problems of global digital inequality. Despite the significant scientific potential and ambitious government strategies, the CIS countries face the risk of widening the digital divide. The article examines the growing imbalance between the technological leaders (the United States and China) and other countries, including the CIS, in terms of access to critical resources: computing power, global-scale big data, and international research collaborations. The disproportion in the development of AI between the CIS countries is also noted: the dominant role of Russia is highlighted, which has a concentration of resources, large technology companies, and substantial government support, compared to the more modest capabilities of other members of the Commonwealth. To mitigate the risks of global digital inequality, a coordinated policy is needed that includes the development of digital infrastructure, support for local startups, incentives for retaining personnel, and an inclusive regulatory environment.