Oleg Dimov: “The Digital Ruble Will Strengthen the Security of Russia’s Monetary Policy”
A new form of money introduced in Russia in 2025 is making financial policy more flexible and transparent.
In 2025, Russia introduced a new form of currency – the digital ruble. Alongside cash and non-cash funds, it can be described as the third form of Russian money. The digital ruble had been tested on an experimental basis since 2023. In 2025, salaries were paid in this format for the first time, and the payment of benefits and insurance compensation was approved.
Mass Rollout in 2026
The year 2026 is expected to mark the large-scale rollout of the new financial instrument. From September, the digital ruble is set to appear in major banks and across the business sector. Use of the digital ruble will be voluntary, with citizens free to choose whichever form of payment suits them best.
As Oleg Dimov, a State Duma deputy and deputy chair of the Duma’s financial markets committee, notes, the digital ruble is essentially electronic money stored on a dedicated platform operated by the Bank of Russia. It can be transferred, spent in stores, or exchanged for traditional rubles at a one-to-one rate.
Technology for the Public Good
Another crucial goal of introducing the digital ruble platform, he added, is to assist in combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism. All transactions on the platform are monitored by the Bank of Russia.
