Digital Ruble Payment for Communications to Begin in Russia

cryptonews.ruPublished on 2026-08-25Last updated on 2026-08-25

Abstract

Major Russian telecom operators are preparing to accept payments in the digital ruble (CBDC). MTS will enable the option for all services integrated with its MTS Pay system, with no restrictions on goods or services. Rostelecom is developing its platform with a major bank, initially for one-time payments on its website, with plans to expand to customer accounts and recurring payments later. Megafon will also adopt it as an additional payment method. This follows recent announcements from major marketplaces Wildberries and Ozon, which will start accepting the digital ruble from September 1. From that date, major Russian businesses are legally required to process transactions in this third form of national currency. Applications of the 12 systemically important Russian banks must include a button to access digital ruble wallets. The Central Bank of Russia plans to set a monthly top-up limit of 300,000 rubles per bank for these wallets.

At MTS, payment with digital rubles will become available for all services integrated with the MTS Pay payment module. There will be no restrictions by category of goods or services, and the process itself will be similar to conducting transactions through the Faster Payments System, company representatives said.

Rostelecom is carrying out technical refinements to the platform with the participation of 'one of the largest banks', whose name it is not disclosing. Initially, the digital ruble can be used for one-time payments on the operator's official website, with the functionality promised to be later extended to the customer's personal account. Support for recurring payments and automatic account top-ups will appear as the Bank of Russia's digital ruble platform becomes ready, Rostelecom assured.

Megafon is also preparing to use the digital ruble – as an additional payment method. Representatives of VimpelCom (brand Beeline) declined to comment.

The two largest Russian marketplaces, Wildberries and Ozon, also announced recently that they plan to start accepting digital ruble payments from September 1st. From this date, all major Russian businesses are required by law to be able to process transactions with the third form of the national currency. Applications of all so-called systemically important banks in Russia – there are 12 of them, including Sber, T-Bank, VTB, Alfa-Bank – must feature a button with the digital ruble logo. Clicking the button can open a wallet for the central bank's digital currency (CBDC).

At the same time, the Central Bank intends to introduce a limit on top-ups to the digital wallet – no more than 300,000 rubles through one bank per month.

CryptoQuant Research Head Points to Bitcoin's Next Resistance Level! Here Are the Details

Bitcoin is trading above $80,000, with the $83,000 level emerging as a critical market resistance point. Julio Moreno, head of research at CryptoQuant, highlighted that Bitcoin's 365-day moving average (MA) on the daily chart represents a significant resistance level, potentially acting as the "final boss" for the current uptrend. According to Moreno, a decisive break above this MA could pave the way for further gains. He noted that the 365-day MA is currently around $83,000, advising investors to closely monitor Bitcoin's price action in this range in the short term. At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at $80,868, having risen 2.38% from the previous day, leaving it approximately $2,100 away from this key resistance. In technical analysis, moving averages like the 365-day MA are used to assess long-term trends. A successful breach of the $83,000 resistance could help maintain the bullish momentum, while a failure to break through might lead to short-term profit-taking or consolidation. Moreno's analysis suggests Bitcoin is approaching a crucial threshold, making the $83,000 zone pivotal for determining the market's near-term direction.

cryptonews.ru2m ago

CryptoQuant Research Head Points to Bitcoin's Next Resistance Level! Here Are the Details

cryptonews.ru2m ago

Jackson Hole Becomes a Critical Battle for U.S. Treasuries, BofA Warns: If Warsh Doesn't Signal Rate Hikes, 30-Year Yield May Surge to 5.5%

The Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium is shaping up as a crucial battle for the US Treasury market, with the spotlight on Federal Reserve Chair Warsh's upcoming speech. Markets view this as the most critical near-term risk event for bond yields and the US dollar. A key concern is whether Warsh will provide clear signals on the Fed's willingness to resume interest rate hikes should inflation fail to improve. American Bank warns that if he avoids offering such forward guidance, the 30-year Treasury yield could surge toward or above 5.5%, putting further downward pressure on the dollar. This heightened sensitivity stems from fragile market conditions, including the Treasury's recent increased long-end bond buybacks and a string of weaker economic data. Analysts note that Warsh has historically been resistant to providing specific policy guidance, but sustained bond market pressure may force a shift in communication strategy. The market anticipates a framework outlining potential policy responses based on incoming inflation data. Barclays economists assign over a 50% probability to Warsh delivering a hawkish message. Historically, Jackson Hole speeches have had limited lasting market impact, but analysts suggest this year could be an exception due to the unique confluence of pressures, making Warsh's credibility and clarity paramount for stabilizing expectations.

marsbit4m ago

Jackson Hole Becomes a Critical Battle for U.S. Treasuries, BofA Warns: If Warsh Doesn't Signal Rate Hikes, 30-Year Yield May Surge to 5.5%

marsbit4m ago

Cardano CIP-0197 Targets Quantum-Proof Wallet Protection

Cardano has initiated formal review of CIP-0197, a proposal to introduce optional post-quantum protection for wallets using a zero-knowledge proof layer. Authored by researcher Robert Phair, the design aims to strengthen existing hierarchical deterministic wallets against future quantum-computing threats without forcing immediate key migration. The proposal is currently in early-stage review and is not active or mandatory on the mainnet. Quantum computers do not pose an immediate everyday risk, but the proposal represents forward-looking planning, as cryptographic upgrades require significant lead time. By providing an optional protection layer, CIP-0197 seeks to offer a gradual, lower-friction path to enhanced security, avoiding the complexities of a rushed, full-scale wallet migration. The review process involves community and technical evaluation to assess practicality, security, and compatibility with existing infrastructure. This early-stage work reflects Cardano's research-focused approach to long-term protocol resilience, positioning the network to thoughtfully address future cryptographic challenges.

bitcoinist4m ago

Cardano CIP-0197 Targets Quantum-Proof Wallet Protection

bitcoinist4m ago

“Economic Outcast”: US Treasury Takes Aim at Iran's Cryptocurrency, Technology, and Gold

On August 24, 2026, the U.S. Treasury Department, under Secretary Scott Bessent, launched "Operation Economic Outcast," a major campaign targeting the financial networks of the Islamic Republic of Iran and its affiliates. The primary goal is to cut off revenue streams supporting the Iranian regime, with a specific focus on denying funding to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) activated authorities to sanction any entities, regardless of location, operating in or servicing five key Iranian economic sectors: digital assets (cryptocurrency), technology, gold, aviation, and shipping. OFAC noted Iran's increasing use of cryptocurrency to evade sanctions, including for operations linked to the IRGC and government officials. Initial measures targeted nearly 60 organizations, individuals, and vessels across multiple jurisdictions involved in procuring nuclear/missile technology, conducting cyber operations, and facilitating illicit oil sales. The U.S. State Department joined the campaign, announcing additional sanctions against Iranian military officials, intelligence entities targeting U.S. forces, and networks moving Iranian oil. Treasury warned foreign partners that they have a specific deadline to halt identified Iran-related activities, or face unilateral U.S. action. Entities facilitating sanctions evasion risk being cut off from the U.S. financial system and the dollar economy. The operation consolidates sanctions against Iran's crypto, tech, and commodity financing into a unified campaign with clear deadlines. It expands OFAC's reach to crypto brokers and payment networks handling Iranian oil. Analysis suggests crypto tools are already embedded in Iran's trade practices, as seen with capital flight from the Nobitex exchange and discussions of Bitcoin payments for Strait of Hormuz transit, indicating new OFAC powers target existing, not hypothetical, evasion channels.

cryptonews.ru19m ago

“Economic Outcast”: US Treasury Takes Aim at Iran's Cryptocurrency, Technology, and Gold

cryptonews.ru19m ago

Upbit Accelerates Token Listings: Total Trading Volume Halved, New Tokens Support Nearly 30% Share

In the second half of 2026, Upbit significantly accelerated its pace of listing new cryptocurrencies, even as the overall Korean won-denominated trading market cooled rapidly. Monthly trading volume on Upbit plunged 63%, from KRW 72.7 trillion in January to KRW 27.1 trillion in July, with Bitcoin prices also falling. Contrary to the conventional logic of listing more during bull markets, Upbit intensified new listings during this downturn. New listings have become a crucial lever for Upbit to sustain trading activity in a bear market. By August, 61 new tokens listed in 2026 were collectively contributing nearly 30% of Upbit's total won trading volume, up from just 5% in January. This means roughly a quarter of the platform's fee revenue now comes from these newly listed assets. Standout performers like CHIP, RE, SLX, and CAP achieved significant individual market share shortly after listing, while new stablecoin listings contributed negligible volume. This strategy highlights a shift: the "Upbit listing premium," once a sought-after event to attract new capital, is increasingly used as a defensive tool to stabilize fee income amid shrinking overall volume. While the premium effect persists, indicating remaining genuine demand, its frequent use risks diluting the long-term strategic value and scarcity of Korean won liquidity access. Upbit's approach reflects a broader challenge for Asian centralized exchanges: relying on short-term listing tools to maintain operations during macro weakness, potentially at the cost of eroding long-term competitive foundations.

marsbit39m ago

Trading

Spot