Russia is promoting the widespread circulation of the digital ruble after its launch in 2026 through legislation.

On July 17, according to TASS, the Russian State Duma has passed a law in its second and third readings to gradually promote the widespread circulation of the digital ruble and introduce a universal QR code for the payment of goods and services in the Russian payment system. Starting from September 1, 2026, enterprises with an annual income of 120 million rubles or more must provide payment services supporting the digital ruble, while stipulating that payments for goods and services must use the digital ruble QR code. Large enterprises are obliged to provide payment options, and some small enterprises may not join. Previously, on June 27, the Central Bank of Russia announced that the central bank digital currency (CBDC) digital ruble will be officially launched nationwide on September 1, 2026. The Russian CBDC will achieve interoperability with digital currencies issued by other BRICS countries and may be used in the field of cross-border trade to help Russian traders evade sanctions.