The Russian government wants to fast-track the launch of the digital ruble – and now claims that all citizens will be able to use the CBDC in 2024.
The Central Bank has previously claimed that Russians may have to wait until 2027 for a full nationwide rollout.
But in recent weeks, senior government officials have suggested that they favor a quicker launch for the CBDC.
RBC quoted Finance Minister Anton Siluanov as stating that “in 2024, all Russians will be able to experience” using digital ruble wallets “for payments.”
Siluanov has been bullish on CBDC adoption of late. He has said his ministry will pilot Treasury payments early next year.
The minister said Moscow could use the coin to make welfare payments and issue government subsidies.
Siluanov doubled down on his recent CBDC-related statements, claiming that digital ruble “technology” was “continuing to develop fast.” He said:
“Next year, I am sure that we will all be able to try to open a digital wallet and make payments in a new currency. This is the same ruble. It can also be exchanged for regular cash and non-cash rubles. […] This is another [incarnation] of the strong Russian ruble that we all know.”
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