Russia’s central bank digital currency (CBDC), the digital ruble, is slated for a mandatory rollout on September 1, 2026, after a law passed last year required systemically important banks and large retailers to accept it. Bank of Russia Governor Elvira Nabiullina confirmed that “everything is ready for the widespread use of the digital ruble,” with the necessary technology and infrastructure in place.
The launch comes nearly three years after President Vladimir Putin signed the legal tender bill. Major banks and retailers are expected to comply by the deadline, while the central bank plans to pay a small commission (around 0.67 rubles) to incentivize participating institutions. The Bank of Russia is also exploring smart contracts for business use and piloting digital wallets on bank balance sheets.
However, public interest remains low. A state pollster survey cited by The Moscow Times found that citizens do not see a need for a third form of money beyond cash and non‑cash options. Critics argue the CBDC enables deep financial surveillance, contrasting with efforts in the United States where a Senate bill proposes a temporary ban on a digital dollar through 2030.
