The Russian digital ruble is expected to achieve large-scale adoption by 2026

According to Bitcoin.com, Anatoly Aksakov, Chairman of the Financial Markets Committee of the Russian State Duma, stated on June 18 that the large-scale application of the digital ruble is now scheduled for 2026. The planned launch after July 1, 2025 has been postponed due to financial institutions needing more time to improve their infrastructure. Since its launch in August 2023, the pilot program has expanded to 15 banks, approximately 2000 individuals, and 50 enterprises, processing over 55000 personal transfers and 15000 product payments. The Russian central bank emphasizes that the digital ruble is entirely voluntary and will not eliminate cash or non cash payment forms.