Russia is going full steam ahead with its digital ruble. The Central Bank of Russia has confirmed that the large-scale rollout of its central bank digital currency will begin on September 1, 2026, making it one of the most ambitious CBDC launches anywhere in the world.
The catch: the European Union has already preemptively banned transactions involving the digital ruble, effective May 24, 2026, more than three months before Russia even flips the switch.
How the rollout works
Major retailers generating annual revenues above 120 million rubles will be required to accept the digital ruble starting September 1. Major banks must simultaneously provide the infrastructure, including account creation and payment processing.
The compliance schedule is tiered. Mid-sized banks and retailers face a 2027 deadline. All remaining banks and smaller retailers must be on board by September 2028.
