Russian Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina stated that claims circulating about the digital ruble suggesting that "everyone will be forced to receive their salaries and pensions in digital rubles" do not reflect the truth. Nabiullina said that citizens will decide for themselves how they receive their payments.
"This is a myth, a horror story," Nabiullina said. "The claim that all public sector employees and pensioners will be forced to receive their salaries and pensions in digital rubles is absurd. A person will always have the right to choose how to receive their salary and pension: in cash, via a non-cash bank account, or in digital rubles."
Digital Ruble Will Not Be Mandatory
Nabiullina recalled that similar concerns were voiced when the Mir card and the Faster Payments System (FPS) were launched, and she stressed that the digital ruble will be introduced as an additional alternative to existing payment options.
The central bank governor also pointed to the potential for businesses and international payments. "There is potential for international payments. We are conducting negotiations and consultations with partners. Many countries' central banks are planning to launch digital currencies, some have already begun. We are not alone in this," she said.
September 1 Deadline for Banks
According to an earlier statement by the Russian Central Bank, the country's largest banks will be obligated to provide the possibility of making payments with the digital ruble starting September 1, 2025. This obligation will later be expanded to other banks.