PANews reported on April 7th, citing DL News, that the Central Bank of Russia will officially launch its digital ruble on September 1st, aiming to strengthen anti-corruption efforts, improve the traceability of budget funds, and reduce reliance on the US dollar and SWIFT in foreign trade. The central bank requires large banks and retailers to offer digital ruble services starting in September, medium-sized institutions a year later, and other institutions by 2028 at the latest. However, polls show that approximately 51% of Russians surveyed are unwilling to use the digital ruble, only 7% believe they have received sufficient project information, and most banking professionals also question its necessity. Regulators also hope to use the digital ruble to achieve cross-border settlements with other countries' CBDCs on platforms such as mBridge, in order to circumvent sanctions.