A Russian economist has suggested that the introduction of the country’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), the digital ruble, may not occur until 2027.
Originally scheduled for launch on July 1, 2025, the rollout of the digital ruble was unexpectedly postponed “indefinitely” by the Central Bank earlier this year, leaving the future timeline uncertain.
Digital Ruble Rollout: Russians to Wait Until 2027 for CBDC?
According to state-owned RIA Novosti, Alexey Voylukov, an MBA professor specializing in digital finance at the Presidential Academy in Moscow, emphasized that the Central Bank must provide incentives for citizens to adopt the digital currency.
The blackouts across Spain and Portugal are bad news for central bank digital currencies and stablecoins… but good news for cash#CBDCs #DigitalEurohttps://t.co/MTlXFb7fwm
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Voylukov pointed out that under the most favorable conditions, regular consumers may start using the digital ruble for purchases by the latter half of 2026. However, he regards a national launch in 2027 as a more feasible expectation.
His remarks come in stark contrast to assertions made last month by the Russian finance ministry, which indicated that the digital ruble was “almost ready” for a nationwide debut.
Earlier, Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov had conveyed optimism regarding a launch next year, stating, “Last year and the year before, we carried out several transactions, including budgetary transactions, using the digital ruble. The digital ruble is 100% reliable.”
Siluanov noted that in the remainder of 2025, efforts will focus on integrating the digital ruble within the commercial banking sector.
Currently, about 15 major banks, including Sberbank and T-Bank (formerly Tinkoff Bank), are engaged in testing the token.
Despite supportive remarks from Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina regarding the CBDC, skepticism persists within the banking community.
Russians Still Unsure About Digital RUB
Concerns among citizens regarding the digital currency have prompted the Central Bank to reassure the public that “nobody will be forced” to utilize the CBDC.
The future of the digital ruble came into question following Nabiullina’s announcement of a “delay” in late February.
Voylukov has indicated that the general public remains skeptical about the digital ruble. He stated, “Firstly, the digital ruble does not provide any tangible advantages compared to existing forms of payment. Secondly, it uses QR codes, which demand reliable cellular networks and internet connections. This can make transactions less convenient and slower compared to traditional bank cards.”
The Presidential Academy in Moscow, Russia. (Source: WL959 [CC BY-SA 3.0])
Connectivity Problems?
Statistics from 2023 indicate that approximately 88% of Russian households have internet access. Although this figure is significantly higher in urban regions, it may drop to around 83% in rural areas.
To address similar connectivity challenges, the People’s Bank of China has introduced offline digital yuan wallets.
The European Union will on Tuesday announce a roadmap to phase out the bloc's remaining gas ties with Moscow, but in the absence of sanctions it will be difficult for buyers to exit gas contracts using legal options such as force majeure https://t.co/PIanL3c5yp
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Russia has yet to implement comparable solutions but may consider drawing from China’s approach as both nations seek to enhance cooperation in the financial sector.
Voylukov concluded that the digital ruble will likely attract users who are already familiar with QR code-based payment methods. He emphasized, “The success or failure of mass adoption will heavily depend on the advantages that the Central Bank and the commercial banks working with the digital RUB can provide to the public.”
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