State Duma Deputy and head of the Financial Market Committee, Anatoly Aksakov, revealed that discussions around the digital ruble as a tool for foreign payments are advancing. The talks are focused on how this digital currency could be integrated into international trade and cross-border settlements, with active exploration of its role in foreign markets. Aksakov emphasized that negotiations are underway to promote the use of the digital ruble in foreign settlements, signaling a deliberate push to broaden its reach beyond domestic finance.
Officials note that this work comes at a time when the ruble’s value against the dollar and the euro experiences daily fluctuations. Despite these movements, the current inflation environment is viewed by policymakers as a normal, expected phase, rather than a disruption. The broader economic picture remains supportive: Russia’s export volumes have historically surpassed import levels, contributing a positive balance to the economy and reinforcing confidence in the ruble’s long-term position within national financial strategy.
Earlier statements highlighted public sentiment around the digital ruble as a protective measure. A notable portion of the population, over a third, is believed to consider the digital ruble as a safeguard against the theft of funds held on bank cards. This perspective underscores a key financial security concern that digital currency proponents often address: the potential to reduce risks associated with traditional card-based payments and cash handling.
Survey respondents display varying degrees of trust in the digital ruble. A fraction of the population—nearly 10 percent—believes the digital ruble offers greater reliability than conventional money, while roughly a quarter of respondents view it as more trustworthy in certain contexts. These attitudes reflect a growing interest in how digital financial instruments might reshape everyday transactions, consumer confidence, and perceived security.
As the dialogue continues, analysts expect further policy clarifications and pilot initiatives that demonstrate the digital ruble’s capabilities in real-world settings. Observers are watching how international payment corridors could adapt to digital currency transfers, what regulatory safeguards will be put in place, and how these measures will interact with existing financial infrastructure. The overarching aim remains to balance innovation with stability, ensuring that any expansion of digital ruble use strengthens resilience in both domestic and international markets, while maintaining the integrity of monetary policy and payment systems.