The Central Bank of the Russian Federation has approved the launch of the digital ruble (CBDC) starting September 1, 2026, marking an important step in modernizing the country's financial system. According to forecasts by the National Rating Agency (NRA), the implementation of the digital currency could bring up to 260 billion rubles annually to the Russian economy by 2031, and about 50 billion rubles per year to the banking sector. This process will be carried out in stages, taking into account the needs of banks and businesses to ensure stable integration of the new form of national currency. The Bank of Russia has developed a plan for the gradual introduction of the digital ruble, beginning with the largest banks and trading companies. Starting September 1, 2026, major banks will be required to provide clients with the opportunity to conduct operations with the digital ruble, including opening accounts, transfers, and payments for goods and services. Trading companies with annual revenues over 120 million rubles serviced by these banks will also need to ensure acceptance of digital rubles. For banks with universal licenses and their clients—trading companies with revenues over 30 million rubles per year—the preparation deadline is extended to September 1, 2027. Other banks and businesses with revenues under 30 million rubles will need to join the system by September 1, 2028. Small businesses with annual revenues below 5 million rubles are exempt from mandatory acceptance of the digital ruble, reducing the burden on small companies. A key element in the implementation will be the universal QR code developed based on the National Payment Card System (NSPK). This tool will simplify the payment process and integrate the digital ruble with existing payment systems, including the Fast Payment System. All banks must complete technical preparations for using the universal QR code by September 1, 2026. NSPK will provide this service for free, reducing banks' integration costs. The pilot project for the digital ruble, conducted from 2023 to 2025, showed successful results: over 100,000 operations, including transfers, payments, and smart contracts, were conducted with the participation of 15 banks, 1,700 individuals, and 30 companies. This confirms the system's technical readiness and its potential for wide application. According to NRA estimates, the digital ruble can significantly increase the efficiency of financial operations. By 2031, the economic impact for the Russian economy may reach up to 260 billion rubles per year due to accelerated payments, reduced cash handling costs, and increased transparency of transactions. The banking sector, in turn, will receive additional income of about 50 billion rubles annually from new services and process optimization. The digital ruble will also become a tool for enhancing budgetary discipline. Its use in public finances, including treasury, public procurement, and social payments, will increase transparency and reduce operating costs. Moreover, the CBDC could contribute to the decentralization of international settlements, which is particularly relevant amid sanctions and the drive towards de-dollarization within BRICS. Despite the prospects, the implementation of the digital ruble is associated with a number of challenges. Experts emphasize the need to ensure cybersecurity and data protection, as well as maintaining financial inclusion for citizens without access to digital services. Privacy issues remain a topic of discussion, as centralized infrastructure may raise concerns about control over personal data. Furthermore, some analysts, including financial consultant Olga Goncharova, highlight that while programmable money has the potential to automate financial processes, it may not offer significant advantages over traditional settlement methods for ordinary consumers. The launch of the digital ruble in September 2026 will be an important milestone in the digitalization of the Russian economy. The phased implementation, relying on a proven infrastructure and a successful pilot project, lays the groundwork for a stable transition. The economic impact projected by the NRA underscores the significance of the project for the state and the banking sector. However, to achieve full success, it is necessary to address issues of cybersecurity, financial inclusion, and public trust in the new form of currency. The digital ruble promises to become not only a tool for domestic settlements but also an important step in strengthening Russia's position in the international financial arena.