The initial rollout of Russia’s retail central bank digital currency (CBDC) was originally planned for 1 July 2025, but the launch was postponed until 1 September 2026. However, federal government departments can use the digital ruble starting 1 January 2026, with the Ministry of Finance defining the types of permitted payments last week.
Potential usage includes for social security payouts, government salary payments, and capital expenditure and maintenance for government properties. The digital ruble will be offered as a payment option, so it is up to the recipient to choose how they would prefer to be paid.
Programmability can help ensure payments are used for the intended purpose. For example, conditions could be attached to payments, to ensure that funds for construction contracts are only released when the work has progressed sufficiently. Previously, a senior Russian lawmaker, Anatoly Aksakov, gave this as one example of programmability, as well as enabling parents to control how their children spend money. In recent years, Russian media have reported concerns of experts and consumers that this controlling aspect could be used by the state.
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