Первый цифровой рубль: Аксаков тестирует новую систему оплаты зарплаты First Digital Ruble: Aksakov Tests New Salary Payment System

The first salary payment in digital rubles has been disbursed in Russia. The recipient was Anatoly Aksakov, the chairman of the State Duma’s Committee on the Financial Market, as reported by RBC, citing a statement from the Ministry of Finance.

«The initial budget payment in digital rubles has been successfully completed. The Treasury of Russia executed the first salary disbursement in digital rubles to an individual holding a government position in the Russian Federation,» the statement read.

Aksakov initiated the payment himself and received the funds on his personal digital wallet on the Central Bank’s platform.

The deputy also carried out several transactions: he donated to the charity fund «Line of Life,» a foundation assisting children with health issues, and to the charitable organization «SOS Children’s Villages,» as well as settled a bill at the restaurant «Teremok.»

The Ministry of Finance clarified that payments in digital rubles will be made only at the discretion of the recipients.

The widespread implementation of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) in the Russian market is scheduled for September 2026. President Vladimir Putin has signed the corresponding law.

Starting next fall, banks will be required to provide clients with the option to conduct transactions using the national digital currency. The complete rollout of the asset is planned for September 1, 2028.

The fundamental law regarding the digital ruble came into force on August 1, 2023. It was anticipated that the largest Russian banks would grant citizens access to transactions involving it by July 2025.

It is important to note that Russian authorities plan to introduce fines for payments made with cryptocurrency for goods and services starting from 2026.