During a live broadcast, the head of the National Payment System Department at the Central Bank of Russia explained the digital ruble and how it is meant to work. He stated there is no restriction charter tied to the digital ruble, and its availability grows only when there is clear user demand. The official stressed that the system is built to meet real needs and to avoid placing caps on how money is used, ensuring practical access for both ordinary users and businesses across the country. Access becomes possible when demand exists, governed by established rules that preserve stability and usability for daily purchases and business transactions.
The official reiterated there is no limit charter for the digital ruble; when a person identifies a need for this form of money, it becomes accessible under the set rules. The framework is designed around real use cases and to support safe, reliable transfers without artificial constraints on everyday payments and savings alike. The aim is to give people flexible, convenient options that fit normal spending and saving habits.
On security, the digital ruble cannot burn like cash or vanish through destruction. Its integrity is safeguarded by a solid digital ledger and the legal framework regulating its circulation, redemption, and oversight, ensuring resilience for users who rely on this currency in daily commerce and official transfers.
The official dismissed rumors that all budget payments would move to the digital ruble by law, noting that no such policy exists and that current guidance stays within statute while policy work continues in line with established legal processes and the actual legislative text.
The official also rejected rumors about a universal shift of all government payments to the digital ruble or compulsory transfers. He explained that transition plans will unfold in stages with safeguards, transparent communication, and voluntary participation where applicable, rather than a blanket mandate that would disrupt existing financial arrangements.
Media coverage noted discussions about using the digital ruble to pay social benefits and other government-supported payments. The central bank has indicated that digital ruble payments could begin in the second half of the year, contingent on testing, infrastructure readiness, and regulatory alignment. Observers in Canada and the United States monitor these developments as part of a broader global interest in central bank digital currencies and their potential effects on cross-border payments and financial interoperability. Earlier communications from the central bank outline what the digital ruble is, how it works, and how it fits into the national payment landscape. The bank describes a two-tier system that blends central bank reliability with commercial bank access, aiming to deliver secure, fast payments for households and businesses. In North American contexts, analysts compare this approach with other CBDC efforts to understand implications for cross-border activity, privacy, and financial stability while respecting each jurisdiction’s regulatory path.