Moscow’s executive head announced that authorities will start testing a digital ruble in test mode soon, alongside a new law that legalizes cryptocurrencies while imposing strict controls on their use.
The Bank of Russia has revised its digital ruble framework, imposing stricter requirements for opening wallets that make the onboarding process more complex for ordinary users and small firms. The changes could slow retail adoption and increase compliance costs.
Russia's central bank says the upcoming digital ruble will let citizens transact without traditional bank fees or some banking limits, and officials are pushing the message to drive adoption ahead of rollout.
Russia’s Finance Ministry says the executive branch will begin making budget payments in the digital ruble as early as this year, ahead of a full-scale rollout planned for the second half of next year.
The head of a key Russian parliamentary committee said on Dec. 16, 2025 that Russia will not accept cryptocurrencies as legal tender, reaffirming a strict stance against private digital money. The comment signals continued resistance to giving crypto the same status as the ruble.
Authorities have widened the digital ruble pilot to more than 20 banks and remote regions, including Crimea, as preparations continue for a full launch planned in 2026.
Russia’s Treasury will begin accepting federal budget payments in the digital ruble starting early 2026, formalizing state use of the CBDC. The step could accelerate broader adoption and improve settlement efficiency.
A senior official at Russia’s monetary authority said the forthcoming digital ruble is unlikely to become a major store of private wealth, benefiting the state and broader economy more than individual savers. The comment suggests limited retail uptake is expected once the CBDC launches.