According to the Bank of Russia, the number of Russians already using the digital ruble has reached significant figures. Within the framework of the pilot project, which covers more than 150 settlements, citizens and companies have opened about 2.5 thousand digital wallets. During this time, about 100 thousand operations using the digital ruble have been conducted.
The regulator highly praised the digital ruble platform, noting its reliability and stability. During testing, not only the main transfer functions were checked, but also measures to protect against cyber threats and ensure data confidentiality.
The Head of the Bank of Russia, Elvira Nabiullina, previously explained that the use of the digital ruble will remain voluntary.
The supervisory body does not intend to force the introduction of the new form of national currency. The Central Bank's task is to make the service convenient so that people choose it independently. Nabiullina also noted that from the point of view of transparency and protection of banking secrecy, the digital ruble does not differ from ordinary cashless payments.
The widespread introduction of the digital ruble is planned for September 2026. By this time, major banks and infrastructure operators are expected to connect to the platform.
The digital ruble is the third form of the Russian national currency, alongside cash and non-cash funds. One digital ruble is equal to one ordinary ruble, and conversion occurs without commissions for citizens.
