In Russia, a fine has been paid for the first time using digital rubles., 2026/03/03 18:25:35

The head of the Federal Treasury of Russia, Roman Artyukhin, informed President Vladimir Putin that the agency has received, for the first time, central bank digital currency—1500 rubles were credited as payment for an administrative fine.

According to Artyukhin, the treasury, along with the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Russia, is currently determining the priorities for spending funds that could be transferred via the digital ruble platform.

“The digital ruble is a very intriguing initiative. Starting January 1, the treasury is prepared to accept payments in the budgets of the budgetary system using digital rubles. The year has just begun, and already the first 1500 rubles have been received in digital currency. An administrative fine was paid by one citizen,” the agency head stated.

He mentioned that there is a proposal to utilize digital rubles for certain types of budget subsidies and for financing specific infrastructure projects.

On February 13, the head of the Bank of Russia, Elvira Nabiullina, indicated that her agency plans to initiate widespread use of the digital ruble starting September 1. She noted that the project “is progressing as planned, and its objectives are being achieved according to the established timelines.” Starting in September, major Russian banks are expected to offer clients the ability to open digital wallets, pay for goods and services with the Russian CBDC, make transfers, and conduct other transactions.

Previously, the management company of St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport reported that a visitor made a payment for a service using digital rubles for the first time through a QR code.