The Digital Ruble Payment Bill has already been approved in the first reading by the state esduma, introducing the concept of a universal code that promotes payments in digital currency, providing banks and retailers with three years of implementation.
The Digital Louvre Massification Legislation Discussed by Russian Duma
More and more countries are introducing central bank digital currency (CBDC) as part of their payment systems. The provinces, which correspond to the lower chambers of the US Congress, have approved the first reading of a bill that prepares the Russian economy for the introduction of Russia’s CBDC, a digital ruble.
The bill will first be discussed by the state’s Consular Committee on Financial Markets and establish the concept of a universal QR code adopted by banks and retailers to facilitate payments using digital rubles.
If it passes, it will take a company three years to implement this code. Nevertheless, the authorities will force remittance transfer operators to provide remittance details or links to clients starting January 1, 2026 in the form of universal payment codes.
The introduction of the bill and date included hints on the general launch of the digital ruble next year. This confirms previous reports by central bank officials. This is also pointed out next year as the last day of digital currency release to a general audience.
The digital ruble rollout was scheduled for this year, but central bank governor Elvira Naviurina has postponed the discussion so that the bank and other organisations participating in the pilot can complete consultations and resolve the remaining details.
Nevertheless, opinions differ on the extent of adoption. This new form of money will be enjoyed in Russia regardless of its mandatory development. National analysts cite technical challenges and believe that if the deployment is postponed until 2027, the agency will be better prepared.
However, Russian states are preparing to include digital ruble payments for budget allocations, highlighting that these expenditures contribute to the transparency and visibility of public flows.
Read more: Russia pauses with digital ruble.
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