Wildberries and Ozon to Launch Digital Rouble Payments in Russia

Russia's two largest e-commerce platforms, Wildberries and Ozon, are preparing to accept digital ruble payments starting September 1. The move comes as Moscow prepares to enforce a new crypto law and introduce its state-issued coin, the digital ruble.

The central bank's digital currency system has been under development for several years, with trials commencing in 2023. The original plan was to launch the platform in 2025, but the launch was postponed to give companies and financial institutions more time to prepare.

Under Russia's new law on digital currency, direct payments with decentralized digital money are permanently banned. However, e-commerce platforms like Wildberries and Ozon will be allowed to offer the digital ruble as a payment option.

The large retail chains, with annual revenues exceeding 120 million rubles (nearly $1.5 million), must be ready to accept digital rubles on September 1, 2026. Smaller banks and retailers will have another year to do so, while all other banking services providers and businesses will have until September 1, 2028.