Russia to Launch Digital Ruble Payment Network in 2026

According to PANews, Russia's Central Bank Vice President Anna Katamadze has announced that the digital ruble payment network is set to launch in 2026, allowing citizens to use the digital currency through the central bank's platform wallet. This timeline is earlier than the previously anticipated 2027. Technical testing has progressed with 15 banks, 1,700 citizens, and approximately 30 enterprises participating in the pilot program. Although the initial deployment plan was delayed in March, Central Bank Governor Nabiullina emphasized that the postponement was not related to the progress of the pilot. The Russian government is actively working to integrate the digital ruble into budget payments and subsidy distribution systems to enhance transparency in fund circulation.