A group of Russian Ministry of Finance employees received wages in digital rubles on October 1, 2026, after opening wallets on the Bank of Russia's platform. Participation is voluntary, and users can convert digital rubles into cash or conventional bank deposits at a 1:1 rate without conversion penalties. The payments follow a 2025 pilot by the Ministry of Finance and Federal Treasury that processed almost 16 million rubles in salaries, student stipends and state-contract settlements. Russia's broader rollout began on September 1, 2026, when major banks and large retailers were required to support digital-ruble transfers and payments. Federal treasury, budget and autonomous institutions can use the currency for budget expenditures without restrictions to specific categories, accept it for services and receive payments into the federal budget. The digital ruble is held in wallets on the Bank of Russia's ledger, while commercial banks provide customer access and payment interfaces. Peer-to-peer transfers are free, and commercial transaction fees are capped at 0.3%. The currency does not pay interest and remains distinct from decentralized cryptocurrencies and privately issued stablecoins. The Bank of Russia is preparing ATM cash withdrawals, while President Vladimir Putin has directed expanded public information campaigns. The European Union previously announced preemptive sanctions on the digital ruble in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.