Russia's Digital Ruble Goes Live September 1 as Central Bank Confirms Technical Readiness

Bank of Russia Governor Elvira Nabiullina declared the central bank digital currency technologically ready ahead of its nationwide rollout on September 1, 2026. Under a July 2025 State Duma mandate, all 12 systemically important banks and large retailers must accept digital ruble payments from that date, with banks receiving a commission of 0.67 rubles per payroll transaction.

Public reception remains weak, however. A VTsIOM survey showed most Russians do not understand why they need a third form of money alongside cash and deposits, while a SuperJob poll found only about one in ten economically active Russians willing to receive their full salary in digital rubles.